Quick action by firefighters stopped a small fire beneath the Seaside Heights boardwalk before wind and dry conditions could fuel a larger blaze.
A discarded cigarette sparked a fire beneath the Seaside Heights boardwalk Sunday afternoon, but a rapid response by firefighters prevented what officials said could have become a much more serious incident. The fire broke out beneath the Dupont Avenue ramp after the cigarette fell through the wooden planks and ignited debris underneath the structure.
Key Points
• Fire started beneath the boardwalk near the Dupont Avenue entrance
• A discarded cigarette ignited debris trapped below the structure
• Firefighters contained the blaze within minutes, preventing significant damage
A nearby business owner spotted smoke and flames coming from beneath the boardwalk and immediately called 911. Seaside Heights firefighters arrived within minutes and began opening sections beneath the boardwalk to access the fire.
The blaze was extinguished before it could spread through the structure or nearby businesses.
Fire chief warns of potential danger
Seaside Heights Fire Chief Tim Farrell said firefighters were fortunate to reach the scene quickly before wind conditions had a chance to push the flames further.
“We had a crew at the firehouse. Luckily we got there within two minutes, opened up underneath of the boardwalk, made entry with a line and were able to soak everything down before the wind pushed it anywhere,” Farrell told New Jersey 101.5.
Dry conditions increased fire risk
According to Farrell, debris routinely collects beneath the boardwalk from both the beach and street sides, creating fuel for potential fires. He said the wooden pilings supporting the structure are also very dry.
“We were able to stop it very quickly, but if we couldn’t, something like that could turn out to be a disaster,” Farrell said.
The fire took place under the boardwalk, which was destroyed during Superstorm Sandy in 2012 and severely damaged during a September 2013 fire.
