Synagogue fire appears to be accidental

Mel Evans / Associated Press

A couple stops to look at the burned shell of the Poile Zedek Synagogue from a fire Saturday in New Brunswick, N.J.

Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015 | 4:27 p.m.

Authorities say a fire that destroyed a historic New Jersey synagogue appears to be accidental.

The Middlesex County prosecutor's office said Saturday a preliminary investigation shows the blaze was an accident and started on the first floor of the Poile Zedek Synagogue in New Brunswick.

Authorities are investigating the cause. They say one sacred scroll was saved and no one was injured.

The fire started Friday afternoon and was under control within hours.

Fire Director Robert Rawls tells WABC-TV the building became engulfed shortly after firefighters arrived. Firefighters say they saved one Torah and the only person in the building escaped unharmed.

The congregation's website says the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. About 100 families belong to the Orthodox Ashkenazic synagogue.