The Ocean County Prosecutors Office says the fire that wiped-out a four block section of boardwalk in Seaside Park and Seaside Heights, N.J., was an accident.
Officials are pinning the blame on Superstorm Sandy, saying wires were damaged from salt water and sand as a result of the floods from the storm. Investigators said the fire began under the boardwalk and sub-floor of the buildings housing Biscayne Candies and Kohr's Ice Cream Stand. Wires under the boardwalk touched and caused an electrical arch that started the blaze. The fact that the wiring dated back to 1970 did not help conditions, they added.
In a statement, officials said they did not want to cause a panic, but warned business and homeowners to inspect and replace any worn and damaged wiring that was subject to flooding.
After sustaining what many thought was a death blow from Superstorm Sandy, the shore businesses were up and running by July, the height of the season. The fire was nothing short of a kick in the stomach to both businesses and residents. Taking the lead, Gov. Chris Christie has pledged $15 million in Superstorm Sandy funds to help rebuild the more than 50 businesses destroyed by the inferno.
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