A massive fire is currently raging down the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, New Jersey.
Police Chief Francis Larkin said that the cause of the fire hasn’t been determined yet but added that authorities believe the blaze may have started at a frozen custard stand. The fire has now spread to other businesses along the boardwalk.
Larkin said: “You can feel it from a block away it’s so hot.”
USA Today reports that firefighters responded to a report at about 2:30 this afternoon. The fire, which reportedly started at Kohr’s Frozen Custard, quickly moved down the boardwalk and engulfed other attractions like FunTown Pier, the amusement park that was partially destroyed during Superstorm Sandy.
Borough administrator John Camera said:
“As it continues to burn the boardwalk and out buildings, it is very, very hard to stop. There is so much wood structure up there. Right now we can’t say much other than they are doing their best to contain an out-of-control fire.”
Camera said that firefighters are working to remove sections of the newly built boardwalk in order to stop the fire. Emergency crews are also dousing down buildings that may soon be hit by the fire in an effort to contain the blaze.
Here’s a video about the fire in Seaside Heights.
Seaside Heights Police Chief Thomas Boyd said that several residents had to be treated for smoke inhalation.
The fire reportedly reached six alarms this afternoon and according to Nicole Nalepa, a reporter at WWLP-22 News, the fire has destroyed nearly 80% of the boardwalk.
#BREAKING : Massive fire destroys 80% of #JerseyShore ‘s boardwalk In Seaside Heights. Boardwalk was just rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy.
— Nicole Nalepa (@NewsbyNicole) September 12, 2013
Please for safety purposes, we caution you not to enter Seaside Park or Seaside Heights. Please clear the way for emergency vehicles.
— Seaside Heights (@seasidehgtsnj) September 12, 2013
Governor Chris Christie’s press secretary Michael Drewniak said in a statement: “Pictures and video of the fire are startling and sad given what Seaside Park and neighboring Seaside Heights have endured with Superstorm Sandy. Governor Christie is deeply concerned and will get a first-hand look shortly at the scene, where he will be speaking further with Mayor Matthies and Mayor Akers and offering the state’s full resources and assistance. Our concerns and prayers are also with firefighters and first responders at the scene battling the blaze.”
[Image Via Twitter ]