Fire Destroys Historic Synagogue in New Jersey

A quick-moving fire destroyed a historic synagogue in New Jersey, and officials say one sacred scroll was saved from the blaze. No one was injured.

The fire broke out around 4:30 p.m. Friday at the Poile Zedek, an Orthodox Ashkenazic synagogue in New Brunswick.

Robert Rawls, the New Brunswick Fire Director, tells WABC-TV that shortly after firefighters arrived, the building became engulfed. Firefighters say they managed to save one Torah and the sole person in the building escaped unharmed.

According to the congregation's website, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. About 100 families belong to the synagogue.

There was no immediate word on what caused the blaze.