Paul Goldfinger, MD, Editor, Blogfinger.net. Ocean Grove, NJ , USA. 03/01/2024.
The large white building was unoccupied when the fire was reported at about 11:30 am. A huge assemblage of fire and emergency trucks showed up very quickly, but most of the firemen were standing on the boardwalk We saw a small crew at the rear where it appears that the fire began in the space under the restaurants. They were using hoses to run water in
The crowd was told to stand back at noon because of fear of a gas explosion. We have no information as to the cause or extent, but it seems as if there was trouble quelling the blaze. Trucks were still arriving with sirens blasting as late as 2:30 pm.
A look back to Sandy 2012 and 2016 issues:
This photo above is from March 2016 when rotten supports were revealed under that building during boardwalk work, and there was concern about the structural integrity of the building.
During Sandy in 2012, the rear of this structure collapsed raising questions if this building could be used again and if repairs were done according to post Sandy specifications.
2:00 pm: 2019 fire continued… Reports of a spreading blaze that threatens the entire building. Flames break through the roof. A rumor says that suspicious people had been living underneath.
3:30 pm APP “Firefighters are battling a four-alarm blaze at an Ocean Grove boardwalk eatery that has already caused a partial collapse of the boardwalk, emergency officials said.”
Heavy smoke is spreading to other towns.
We have no information as to who owns this building. It has been successful in recent summers as a food court. It is located just inside the line that separates OG from Asbury Park.
8:30 pm Building is a total loss; will have to be torn down.
Here is a link about the White Whale’s demise:
March 1, 2024 Editor’s note:
Paul Goldfinger, Blogfinger.net
The White Whale property on the beach was privately owned. Supposedly the owner had grand plans, but we have heard nothing lately, and how could he get DEP permission to build on the beach?
Here is Taylor Swift with her song “Castles Crumbling.”
Thank the Almighty for that retention pond. The firemen put that dirty water to good use but just let the White Whale burn out. It blocked the view of the Ocean.
I suspect foul play.
Is our pyromaniac back in action?
3/10 Manchester, 25 Ocean Pathway
3/11 Hotel at 27 Surf
2/15 50 Main
3/17 Warrington, 22 Lake
Usually he/she prefers February-March.
How convenient. Now there will be unencumbered views of the ocean for whatever will be built on the empty site across the boardwalk. Looks fishy.