14 DAY TRIAL // About 80 percent of Jersey Shore's boardwalk has been engulfed by flames since yesterday, as firefighters still struggle to contain the blaze.
The same area incurred reparations works after being wiped out by hurricane Sandy last year.
NBC Philadelphia described that the Seaside Park area was riddled with black smoke which could be observed from a distance.
"Our manager came running through the stand and said 'get out,' we go around the corner in front of Biscayne Candy and there was smoke coming up from the boardwalk.
"There was a little smoke and then all of a sudden, it got real thick and black," describes Christine Hemingway, who works at Kohr Brothers Frozen Custard shop.
The smoke appeared to originate from under the boardwalk, according to her account.
"Report of flames showing underneath the boardwalk by the Sawmill," the alert sent out to firefighters confirms.
Al Della Fave, of the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office mentioned that the call was made out to fire departments in 33 municipalities.
“It’s an all call, which means anybody that has equipment [in Ocean County] are asked to respond," he clarifies.
The blaze broke out at 2:30 p.m. near Kohr Brothers on 1800 Boardwalk. Seaside Park’s Police Chief, Francis Larken, mentions that the fire has damaged more than 50 shops and other local businesses.
A 20-foot (6-meter) wide trench had to be built separating the boardwalk from the town at Ocean and Lincoln Avenues.
“It’s all hands on deck and they’re doing the best they can, but the winds are really making it difficult," Della Fave adds.
Winds are blowing at 20 to 30 miles per hour (32 – 48 kph), sending out debris throughout the whole area.
Burning ambers flew in and started a fire at Royal Sands Condominium complex at Sumner Avenue and Ocean Terrace, several blocks away.