Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Seaside Heights Fire 'Accidental,' According To Sources

ABC News, citing two anonymous sources, notes the blaze was "not manmade," and "electrical."

Article by Colleen Platt, colleen.platt@patch.com

Although officials from the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office would not confirm the reports late Monday, at least one media outlet is reporting that the fire in Seaside Park will be ruled "accidental."

A report by ABC News, citing two anonymous sources, notes the blaze was "not manmade," and "electrical."

A statement by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, issued at 9:56 p.m. Monday night, meanwhile, reads: "Be advised the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office has not made any announcement regarding the investigative ruling on the fire.  The Prosecutor will release those findings only when finalized, and with all the investigating task force partners present."

The statement then notes, "media will be advised well in advance of any scheduled press conference," but makes no indication that any press conference had, as of yet, been scheduled.  A statement issued earlier this morning, however, notes a press conference has been scheduled for 2 p.m. today. 

Earlier in the day yesterday, a steady stream of people trickled into the Seaside Heights Volunteer Fire Company on Sherman Avenue to seek help from Gov. Chris Christie's "mobile cabinet" that is reaching out to victims of last week's fire. 

Christie met privately over the weekend with 30 of the more than 50 business owners who suffered losses in Thursday's fire, promising an aggressive response to haul away rubble from the fire and help again rebuild the boardwalk only just replaced after Superstorm Sandy.

The Thursday afternoon fire claimed between 30 and 50 businesses between the two towns, including two popular bars and what was left of Funtown Pier after Superstorm Sandy left it heavily damaged last year.


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