Officials: Atlantic City fire began in pizza shop

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) -- Investigators say a fire that destroyed businesses on the famous Atlantic City boardwalk apparently started in a pizza shop.

No serious injuries were reported after the blaze broke out on the Central Pier shortly before 7 p.m. Saturday. It took nearly four hours to bring under control.

Investigators say the flames quickly spread from the pizza shop to two clothing stores and a photography shop. The fire created billows of thick smoke.

The Central Pier has been hit by other fires in its history, including one in May 2006 that caused nearly a half-million dollars in damage.

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