The large fire started at Kohr's Ice Cream located on the boardwalk. Strong winds caused embers from that fire to be swept up, allowing the fire to spread. Justin Auciello/Jersey Shore Hurricane News
Update as of 10:43 p.m. EDT:
The blazing fire that burnt through most of the Jersey shore boardwalk, which had recently been rebuilt after being damaged by Superstorm Sandy, was contained after efforts to halt its spread by pulling out boards that had not yet burned down succeeded Thursday, CBS and Associated Press reported.
A fire that started in an ice cream store has now spread to 19 buildings on the Seaside Park boardwalk located on the Jersey Shore, reports NJ.com.
The fire started at Kohr's Ice Cream on the boardwalk. Strong winds then resulted in the fire moving to other surrounding structures close to 2:30 p.m., says Seaside Heights Police Chief Thomas Boyd. As a precaution, surrounding businesses as well as condos are being evacuated.
As firefighters attempted to battle the building on Thursday afternoon, several explosions were reported inside the building, reports KYW-TV. Additional units were then called in to fight the large blaze.
The fire spread to 19 other buildings on the boardwalk as firefighters attempted to fight the blaze. Michael Monday / The Star-Ledger
Firefighters said a lack of adequate water as well as winds picking up embers from the flames are contributing to their struggle fighting the fire. The Star-Ledger reported that as of 4:30 p.m. "firefighters were "ordered to pull back because of the intensity of the flames."
According to officials, a several people and firefighters being treated for smoke inhalation.
The boardwalk suffered major damage during Hurricane Sandy last year and underwent several major repairs early in the year.
