Channels 2, 4 and 7 vans parked in Founders Park….
As I was walking around, about 9:30, I bumped into an Asbury Park Press reporter who asked me if I had any information on the fire. I suggested he check out Blogfinger, everything he needed to know was there.
I went to St. Paul’s Church and was greeted by the Red Cross. They advised me that about 25 people who were displaced were there.
I spoke to two residents from The Marlboro, whose building suffered mainly smoke and water damage. They were being allowed to go back to their apartment to get some things, then relocate to a relative’s house.
2 residents from the La Pierre also were going back for things, but didn’t know when they could go back for good.
11 am 3/3/17. State Fire Marshall on the scene. This fire should attract serious investigative inquiry. Photo by Stephen Goldfinger, Blogfinger staff.
Send photos and information to Blogfinger@verizon.net Please start the music (below) and then begin looking at the photos.
APP.com is covering the story. Also CBS news, News12.com, and ABC 7.
Early morning 5 am massive fire involves seven structures including the La Pierre Condominiums (16 Lake Avenue) , Warrington (derelict hotel scheduled for conversion), Marlboro condos, and at least four single family homes. At Seaview and Beach Avenues. No injuries reported. 3 alarm fire; 11 towns responded.
7:30 am: A least three homes destroyed. Fire is along Wesley Lake, near the Ocean. 29 Seaview is the only address we have. Wind is 25 mph, accelerating the fire
“We were on Lake Ave. (photo above)
Some people who were displaced from the La Pierre were standing around in their robes visibly shaken about losing their home and belongings.
There were some dramatic coverage of the raging flames taken by helicopter on the news.
I heard FIRE sirens about 5:30….when I heard helicopters, I jumped out of bed, ran out on my top porch and saw smoke .
I grabbed my camera and headed to the corner of Ocean Grove…..
Thankfully, no one was hurt.”
8:30 am Carl Hoffman (Ocean Grove resident)
“March is Ocean Groves “fire month.”)
“I heard the fire-engines about 5 am. They did not seem to be in the Grove. It wasn’t until 7:30 am that I heard what seemed to be the sound of a helicopter. I went outside, and there were three copters hovering over the town.
” I went towards the Asbury bridge closest to me and ran into a gal who gave me the low done. She said to turn on the TV. You can see it all.”
“The fire at the La Pierre has displaced a number of residents. If you know of anyone who needs emergency shelter, please let them know that the Camp Meeting Association has opened the Community Room, and that St. Paul’s is open as well.
Displaced residents should contact the Red Cross for emergency assistance.”
NJ.com La Pierre condos. Rob Spahr
La Pierre. Across Wesley Lake. NJ.com. Rob Spahr taken from AP Monroe Condos NJ.com Rob Spahr
8:45 am All utilities cut off in vicinity of fire. Firefighters gaining control. Link below from NBC local news.:
9 am Neptune press conference: Fire started at the Warrington Hotel. Read Blogfinger reports about the Warrington by entering “Warrington” into the little search box at the top of this page, upper right. This hotel has been in the news, with many issues discussed on Blogfinger.net
9 am: Hoses are off. White smoke continues to billow.
9 am: From Jack Bredin, Blogfinger.net staff reporter:
Apparently, the fire started in the Warrington and affected every other building on the block , with the exception of the famous yellow house at 26 Lake Ave.
Houses known to be affected : (4 were totally destroyed)
29 Seaview. (House) Warrington Hotel (derelict building completely destroyed) 19 Seaview (house) Marlboro Condos. At-17 Seaview (some damage) 2 cottages on Seaview behind the Marlboro La Pierre condos, 16 Lake Ave.
10:30 am from Ocean Grover Lee Morgan:
This destroyed single family home is next to 26 Lake Avenue . Photo by Lee Morgan. Special to Blogfinger.net.
CBS NY video:
Last October, Blogfinger posted it’s first article “the Case of the Worrisome Warrington.” As part of that piece we interviewed an elderly gentleman who lived alone in one of those SeaView cottages adjacent. You all should re-read that piece which Dr. Carol mentions in her comment today:
