Fire Ravages Buildings On Main Avenue In Ocean Grove, N.J.
OCEAN GROVE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Firefighters late Friday battled an extra-alarm fire that ripped through a three-story building in Ocean Grove, New Jersey.
The fire broke out around 3:45 p.m., and swept through row of businesses on 50 Main Ave., home to several shops and restaurants including Yvonne's Cafe. All the ground-floor businesses were damaged by smoke and water.
The fire was concentrated largely on the upper two floors of the building, which were believed to have housed a bed and breakfast, CBS2's Joe Biermann reported.
The roof of the building collapsed to the third and second floor, Biermann reported.
Firefighters perched their ladder trucks in-between the trees lining Main Avenue and poured thousands of gallons of water onto the 3-story building.
"My neighbor came and banged on my door and said, 'Get out now, there's a fire in my building,' so I went and grabbed my dog," Judy Conisha told CBS2's Matt Kozar.
Conish got out with her 8-year-old dog. They live next to the building that caught fire.
Ten apartments and four businesses were destroyed.
Strong winds whipped smoke around caused a problem for firefighters, Biermann reported.
More than 10 fire departments worked working to stop the fire from spreading through the sleepy town. The water supply came from hydrants and a nearby lake.
The fire was knocked down by 6:30 p.m. One firefighter suffered minor injuries, officials said.
In Friday's deep freeze icicles covered everything.
Like much of the Jersey Shore after Superstorm Sandy, Ocean Grove battled back from destruction.
"Ocean Grove is a tough, tight knit community. Everyone looks out for each other," said Neptune Township police Lt. Mike McGhee.
The fire is a step back, but Lt. McGhee said it's not a knockout blow.
"There were some major fires a couple years ago. Back-to-back years. Multiple structures where leveled to the ground and they rebuilt. They know how to do it, and there's no doubt they'll do it again," Lt. McGhee said.
Firefighters were expected to remain on scene until the morning in case of flare ups.
