SEASIDE HEIGHTS — A New Year’s Eve celebration had to be called off after a fire broke out inside the Ocean View Restaurant & Banquet Hall, prompting an afternoon emergency response along the boardwalk.
Fire crews were called to the scene just before 1:30 p.m. after reports of smoke coming from an upper level of the popular oceanfront restaurant.
Upon arrival, firefighters confirmed active fire conditions and began operations to control the blaze and protect nearby businesses.
Ocean View Restaurant General Manager Ron Gaboury took to Facebook to confirm the blaze was on the roof due to a malfunctioning heating unit. Gaboury added that the building was closed at the time of the incident, and staff members inside are all safe.
The full scope of the damage had not yet been released, but signs of interior water damage were visible near the boardwalk entrance, and alarms continued to sound inside the building. Firefighters opened exterior doors facing the ocean to help remove smoke from the structure.
Gaboury’s post on Facebook also said “a big thank you to Seaside Heights, Seaside Park, and Toms River Fire Departments for their diligent work to minimize damages. Emails have been sent to all ticket holders for steps moving forward. We are currently going through the process to safely open our doors again. We hope to see all of you soon! Thank you for your understanding during this unfortunate time.”
Fire companies from several departments responded, including Stations 44, 45, 59, 27 and Station 28’s FAST Team. The Ocean County Fire Coordinator and county EMS coordinators were also summoned to assist with operations and scene oversight.
Personnel from the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office are continuing the investigation.
Special thanks to both Tri-County Scanner News and Garden State News Network for photos and information during the active fire scene.
