A devastating fire, which broke out just before 8 p.m. March 22, has severely damaged the Bagel Bunch restaurant, and temporarily closed the legislative office of state Rep. Gary Day, R-187th.

Both are located in Star Plaza at the intersection of Routes 309 and 100, Heidelberg Township.

According to Lehigh County Assessment records, the strip mall is owned by DDDT, LLC, Allentown.

Chief Jay Scheffler of the Goodwill Fire Company, Germansville, spoke with The Press on March 26.

Scheffler said he and State Police Deputy Fire Marshal James Welsh, Troop M, Bethlehem, visited the scene the day after the fire.

“The fire started inside the Bagel Bunch, in the rear prep area,” Scheffler said. “The fire remains under investigation.”

Germansville, New Tripoli, and Neffs volunteer firefighters, who brought along their aerial truck, initially responded to the scene.

Scheffler said upon his arrival, he called for additional units and firefighters from Weisenberg and Schnecksville.

“Greenawalds Rapid Intervention Team, the Woodlawn Cascade Unit, to fill air packs, Station 67, Northern Valley Ambulance Corps, and Station 66, Macungie’s rehabilitation unit, also responded,” said Scheffler.

He noted the fire was under control in about 20 minutes.

“The fire walls between the stores were designed to keep a fire under control,” Scheffler said.

The fire chief thanked the strip mall’s landlord for help gaining access to the other stores so firefighters could check for potential fire spread.

Scheffler also thanked all the emergency responders who assisted at the scene.

“Good job to everybody,” Scheffler said.

“It went well. There was good teamwork.”

Day issued the following statement.

“I am truly thankful for the heroic efforts of our volunteer fire companies that responded to the scene,” Day said.

“Firefighting is a dangerous activity. My heartfelt appreciation goes out to all the first responders - from as many as a half-dozen volunteer companies - for serving us in our time of need.

“These fire professionals donate their time, which is usually 80 percent of the cost associated with the firefighting service. I try to aid and assist volunteer fire companies with every opportunity that I have.”

Day’s office sustained both water and smoke damage.

He expects to have a temporary office location set up in the near future to serve residents of the 187th District.

In the meantime, Day urges residents who need assistance to contact his Capitol office at 717-787-3017 and email correspondence to gday@pahousegop.com.

A variety of forms and applications are also available on his website at RepGaryDay.com.