BEACH HAVEN – Two Long Beach Island businesses are facing a difficult recovery after an early-morning blaze tore through a North Bay Avenue property Wednesday, causing major damage but leaving everyone safely accounted for.
The fire affected BLVD Pizza and Sincerely, June, a neighboring boutique, at 610 N. Bay Ave. Both businesses later confirmed that their employees and owners were safe, and authorities reported no injuries.
Beach Haven Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 was called to the property at about 7 a.m. As a deputy chief approached the area, smoke could already be seen rising into the sky, prompting officials to upgrade the response to a second alarm.
Firefighters initially battled the flames from the exterior while simultaneously securing a water source. Once additional personnel reached the property, crews entered the structure and were able to suppress most of the fire.
The response continued after the flames were knocked down as firefighters opened portions of the building to check for lingering fire and worked from the roof to clear smoke and heat.
Several neighboring fire companies were brought in to assist, including crews from Ship Bottom, High Point, Stafford Township, Parkertown and Forked River. Beach Haven First Aid, Stafford Township EMS and Beach Haven police also responded.
For BLVD Pizza, the fire is another setback after the restaurant recently established its Beach Haven location. The business told customers that although rebuilding will take time, it intends to return.
“It’ll be a long road, but we’ll come back stronger,” BLVD Pizza said on their Facebook page. In the meantime, the restaurant is turning its attention toward reopening its Surf City location.
Next door, Sincerely, June was also left with substantial damage. The boutique thanked first responders and those throughout Long Beach Island who reached out following the fire.
“The support across this island is unparalleled & we don’t take it for granted,” the business said on social media.
The timing of the blaze compounds what has already been a challenging stretch for Long Beach Island. Only days earlier, a nor’easter caused widespread coastal flooding across the barrier island.
Community members have already begun organizing assistance for those affected by the fire. Okie’s Butcher Shop and LBI Source launched an online fundraiser benefiting BLVD Pizza, Sincerely, June and their employees as they determine their next steps.
What sparked the fire was not immediately known. The Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office is handling the investigation.
To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.
