By KAYLA J. MARSH
Staff Writer
KEYPORT — A multi-alarm fire that broke out on West Front Street late last week is still under investigation according to local officials.
“The investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office, Keyport Police Department and Keyport Fire Prevention Bureau remains active and ongoing,” said Charles Webster, public information officer for the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
“No determination has been made about the cause of the fire.”
While the cause has yet to be determined, Webster said witnesses reported a man doing roofing work on the building just prior to the blaze.
“He has been identified as Andrew Mayer of Toms River,” Webster said.
“He has been charged with working without a permit, working without a license, and driving without a license, all disorderly persons offenses, [and] was released on his own recognizance.”
According to Webster, firefighters responded to numerous 911 calls shortly before 4 p.m. on April 8 on reports of a fire at a shore store at 43 West Front St.
“Firefighters arrived on scene of the four-alarm fire with flames showing from three structures at 43 and 45 West Front St.,” Webster said.
“As firefighters battled the blaze from inside and outside, a partial building collapse occurred inside, forcing firefighters to move their fire suppression efforts to outside the building for safety purposes.”
A statement posted on the Keyport Engine Fire Co. No. 1 Facebook page following the fire describes the scene responding units encountered April 8.
“First arriving units were faced with heavy fire conditions as well as a heavy smoke condition,” the statement reads. “Due to the high winds the adjoining structure also ignited and within minutes two buildings were fully involved.
“During the fire a collapse happened, which resulted in injuries to multiple firefighters.”
Webster said the two firefighters received non-life-threatening injuries during the collapse and were sent to Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel for treatment.
“After reassessing the scene and situation, firefighters … made entry into exposure building three and located heavy fire in the walls,” the Keyport Engine Fire Co. No. 1 statement continues.
“With quick thinking and quick work firefighters were able to knock down the fire in the walls and were able to prevent [more] buildings from being lost.”
While winds and a ruptured gas line complicated efforts to contain the fire, Webster said heavy equipment was brought in to assist in efforts based on dangerous conditions.
“Three structures have extensive fire damage: 43 West Front St., front and rear, and 45 West Front St.,” Webster said. “Buildings were all connected and included commercial and residential spaces with three apartments.”
While calls to borough officials were not returned, it is reported the multi-alarm fire damaged approximately $613,000 of assessed value in buildings alone.
The blaze displaced multiple families and residents, five businesses — including a medical office, an accountant’s office and a home health care company — and engulfed three adjoining buildings in the community’s business district.
Webster said about 200 firefighters were on scene assisting.
“A total of eight firefighters were hospitalized, plus a Salvation Army worker, due to injuries sustained at the fire,” Webster said. “All were non-life-threatening injuries [and] no citizen injuries were reported.”
The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office and its Office of Emergency Management, Mobile Command Unit (Field Comm), and Monmouth County EMS Task Force, as well as fire companies from Keyport, Aberdeen, Cliffwood Beach, Naval Weapons Station Earle, Hazlet, Holmdel, Matawan, Middletown, North Centerville, Sayreville, West Keansburg, and Union Beach responded to the scene.
The Salvation Army and American Red Cross are assisting the residents affected with housing and other necessities.
Keyport Borough Hall and the Keyport Library are currently accepting gift cards for those affected by the fire.
