A gas tanker in North Jersey erupted into flames, a strip mall in Clinton was destroyed, and in recent months, a warehouse burned in Elizabeth and another in New Brunswick erupted in fire.

News 12 New Jersey’s Nick Meidanis caught up with some of the owners of these businesses who are picking up the pieces following the devastating fires.

"You never really think about a fire or explosion and just kind of losing everything in the blink of an eye," said Michael Graubart, who owns 1-800 Car Crash.

He says he watched it all unfold on News 12 when a gas tanker crashed on Route 17 and caused a fire that destroyed his office and lot, plus the 16 cars parked there.

"I was very overwhelmed. I mean, that's my business, my whole place, everything is gone," Graubart said.