'Uncooperative' Witnesses Hinder Brick Wildfire Probe: Prosecutor

BRICK, NJ — In the three months since 167 acres of woods went up in flames in Lakewood and Brick, threatening homes and forcing the shutdown of the Garden State Parkway, investigators have been digging to try to find the person or people responsible.

On Monday, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said the investigation has hit an impasse — one, he said, that is the result of people not cooperating with authorities.

“Detectives have attempted to interview approximately 60 potential witnesses and reviewed video recordings from cameras in proximity to the fire," Billhimer said Monday afternoon in an update on the investigation into the fire, which happened March 14. "The vast majority of these potential witnesses have been less than cooperative with our investigation, and as such, we are currently at an impasse at this point in time."

The prosecutor's office announced March 19 that the fire had been intentionally set and that the point of origin had been identified. Authorities have not released specifics on where it started or how it was ignited.

The fire consumed 167 acres of woods in a heavily developed area on the Brick-Lakewood border on that windy Sunday afternoon. The 20 mph winds sent embers across the Garden State Parkway, forcing authorities to shut down the highway in both directions for several hours, along with part of Route 70 and Cedar Bridge Avenue. The fire destroyed two commercial properties and damaged fences, sheds, vehicles and a boat, threatening 29 homes in Brick Lake Park. Hundreds of people were forced to evacuate as the fire advanced, and embers landed at Lowe's and at Home Depot, causing spot fires.

One firefighter suffered a heart attack while fighting the fire; he was finally able to go home six weeks later. Three homeless people who had been living in the woods lost all of their belongings in the blaze, which took nearly 24 hours to be completely contained.

"The significance of this wildland fire cannot be overstated," Billhimer said when authorities announced their conclusion that it had been intentionally set. "It is only by the grace of God that no one was killed."

Billhimer said the Major Crime Unit's Arson Squad is continuing to work on the investigation along with other law enforcement agencies.

Anyone who has information about the fire or who is responsible is urged to contact Sgt. Thomas Haskell of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, ext. 3953.

Previous coverage:

• NJ Forest Fire Updates: 167 Acres Burned, 100 Percent Contained
• Homes Damaged, Firefighter Critical As Fire Burns In Ocean County
• Ocean County Forest Fire 'Intentionally Set,' Prosecutor Says
• Brick Lake Park Residents Thank Firefighters For Saving Homes
  
• 6 Weeks After Forest Fire, Toms River Firefighter Goes Home
  

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