Construction workers using torches and patching leaks accidentally ignited the fire around 4 p.m. on the roof of the Ruby Lounge restaurant, which is connected to the Holiday Inn hotel on Route 46, Totowa Fire Chief Vincent Marciano said.
"We had flames showing on arrival on the roof line which caused a smoke condition throughout the Holiday Inn," Marciano told Daily Voice.
The fire was extinguished in 15 minutes and people were allowed back in soon after, the chief said.
The Ruby Lounge remained vacated -- and was expected to remain so for a couple of hours, he said -- to clear smoke.
There were no injuries and only some smoke damage, Marciano said.
Woodland Park firefighters also responded.
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