Investigators Conclude Ocean City Boardwalk Fire Was Accidental

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Agencies determined the Jan. 30 boardwalk fire in Ocean City was accidental and originated from an electrical source near the front of the building.

The four-alarm blaze destroyed the building that housed an arcade and offices for the amusement park, a juice bar and the adjacent Dairy Queen and Hamburger Construction Company businesses, officials said.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Team led the investigation with assistance from the Ocean City Fire Department Investigation Unit, Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Investigating agencies used a pattern of fire alarms, eyewitness accounts, photos and videos, a detailed excavation of the site and examination of forensic evidence to determine the cause and origin of the fire and conclusively rule out other possible causes.

The outdoor area of the amusement park, including the ride attractions, was not damaged by the fire. The owner said that he will be able to open the park while rebuilding the structure, according to a city press release.

Authorities said the structure was unoccupied and nobody was injured in fighting the fire.

“On behalf of the Newark Field Division, I am extremely proud of and grateful for the level of expertise and resources our agents and the ATF National Response Team deploy to every investigation,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson. “As investigators, they dedicate their knowledge, skills, and abilities to each unique scene alongside our local, county, and state partners. As demonstrated in this joint investigation, our partners can rest assured that ATF will continue leveraging our expertise to support investigations across multiple agencies and jurisdictions.”

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