Police: Numerous Homes Destroyed in Ocean Grove Fire

A massive early morning fire in Ocean Grove destroyed numerous homes and caused widespread damage across a block in the northeast side of town as firefighters worked to subdue the flames.

The fire was reported at 5:15 a.m. Friday about two blocks from the Great Auditorium, according to a statement released by Neptune Township Police.

The fire began on Surf Avenue where a former hotel was in the process of being converted into what would become the Surf Avenue Condominiums. That building burned to the ground in the fire.

Several other surrounding homes were quickly ablaze, as flames, stoked by wind, spread across the block.

All told, eight homes were destroyed by the fire and another five sustained damage. Five vehicles parked on the street also sustained damage, the release said.

Scott Jarmer, an Ocean Grove firefighter, was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, after sustaining a leg injury when a wall collapsed on him. Jarmer, 41, was recently elected commissioner.

Two residents complaining of smoke inhalation also were transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

A swath of road gave way from under a vehicle, authorities said, and a crane was requested to help free the vehicle.

Dozens of fire trucks and emergency vehicles filled the streets of Ocean Grove early Friday morning as firefighters attempted to control the blaze.

Fire Crews Fort Monmouth, Bradley Beach, Allenhurst, Avon-by-the-Sea, Ocean Township and Wall Township assisted Neptune and Ocean Grove firefighters in attempting to control the flames. A unit from Monmouth County also came to assemble a pipeline to draft water from nearby Wesley Lake.

Shocked neighbors and residents stood by and watched as emergency workers attempted to put down the fire and control its spread.

"It's scary, what do you want me to say?" Gus Stoll, a Bath Avenue resident, said. "You don't want to wake up at five in the morning like this."

Neptune Township Deputy Mayor and Committeeman J. Randy Bishop was at the scene and praised the efforts of emergency crews.

"I can't tell you how amazingly proud I am," Bishop said.

"We once again owe a tremendous debt of gratitude," he said of the numerous area fire companies who came to the assistance of Ocean Grove and Neptune fire departments. "This is what community means."

The Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross also was on hand to assist those who were displaced by the fire.

“Our trained disaster responders and volunteers are on the scene providing emergency assistance to those in need, based on each family’s need,” Melissa DeGennaro, spokeswoman for the Jersey Coast Chapter, said.

The Red Cross will help provide those in need with shelter, food, clothing and other essentials. Those wishing to donate to the relief effort may do so by calling 732-493-9100 or by visiting www.jerseycoast-redcross.org.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Neptune Police Department, Neptune Fire Bureau, Monmouth County Fire Marshal's Office and the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office.

Any persons with photos, video or who witnessed the early stages of the fire are asked to contact Detective Michael McGhee of the Neptune Township Police Department at 732-988-8000.

Friday morning's fire is eerily similar to a fire that burned down an Ocean Grove home last year. That fire started around 5 a.m. March 13, 2010 — just two days short of a year ago.

That blaze displaced the Marini family — whose Ocean Pathway home ignited when the Manchester Inn caught fire. The Manchester and the Marini's home were completely burned to the ground.