TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) — The massive fire that destroyed part of a Jersey shore boardwalk and scores of businesses began accidentally by wiring damaged in Superstorm Sandy, and should prompt coastal property owners to inspect their own wiring for similar danger, authorities said Tuesday.
The boardwalk fire in Seaside Park and Seaside Heights began accidentally Thursday in aged wiring that had been compromised by saltwater and sand during the Oct. 29 storm, federal and county investigators said at a news conference. The wind-whipped blaze destroyed more than 50 businesses in the two towns.
Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato said the fire should be a cautionary tale.
"I'm sure on every boardwalk everywhere (at the Jersey shore), there may be compromised wiring," he said. "We don't want to start a panic mode; we just want to be reasonable. If you're a property owner and you think your electrical work came in contact with water and sand, we strongly recommend you have it inspected."