Boardwalk Fire Investigators Want Public's Pictures, Video

The task force investigating yesterday's boardwalk fire wants to see who was in the area before the fire started

The task force investigating yesterday's massive Jersey Shore boardwalk fire wants to see any pictures and video people may have of the area right before the fire started.

"Investigators want anyone who has video or pictures to bring that in so they can review it and take a look at the area to see if any individuals were congregating near the area before the fire," said Al Della Fave, spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

According to witnesses, the fire began under the boardwalk near Kohr's Frozen Custard shop in Seaside Park, New Jersey around 2:20 p.m. on Thursday. Fueled by winds gusting up to 30 miles an hour, the fire spread quickly, gutting more than 30 businesses.

The blaze jumped from the boardwalk in Seaside Park to neighboring Seaside Heights where after 7 hours and with the help of 400-plus firefighters and rescue crews, they were able to contain the fire.

About 10 agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are assisting in the investigation. The local task force includes police investigators, investigators from the Ocean County prosecutor's office as well as Camden County's prosecutor's office and Ocean County's Fire Marshal.

Della Fave said members of the task force have done a good job of carefully preserving evidence. Today, they are waiting for the area where the fire began to cool down enough so that they can get in there to investigate.

Investigators will not say at this point if they believe the fire was purposely set, only that they are looking at all angles to determine the cause.

"Honestly, we have no idea," Governor Chris Christie said this morning.

"Any good investigation does not leave any stone unturned," said Della Fave.

People with pictures or video that may help investigators can call 732-929-2027.

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