Metro

Investigators hunt for cause of ‘suspicious’ NJ blaze

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has pledged $15 million in state aid to help rebuild Seaside Park after a fire that destroyed 32 oceanfront businesses and caused $2 million in damage to the boardwalk alone.

“We had two days to feel sad about this, and it is legitimately a sad thing. But we have work to do now,” Christie said after speaking to business owners.

“A couple days to mourn. Now we’ve got to move on,” he said.

The recovery funds will be freed from programs offered to help in the recovery from Hurricane Sandy, the governor said.

The “suspicious” fire burned for hours.AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Meanwhile, arson investigators continue to sift through a wasteland of ash, hunting for clues to determine what sparked the “suspicious” blaze.

On Saturday, officials examined a patch of land underneath the boardwalk near Kohr’s Frozen Custard, where Thursday’s blaze is believed to have started.

“It’s one of the areas we’re investigating,” said Al Della Fave, a spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

Small hot spots were still flaring, hampering investigators, said sources, adding that the fire’s cause is still undetermined.

“Our only comment is that the investigation continues. There will be no more additional comments or releases until the investigation is complete,” the prosecutor’s office said.

Officials roped off sections of the boardwalk, calling it a crime scene, but a few business owners returned to size up the damage.

Michael Carbone, 58, owner of the Beachcomber bar, was relieved to find only minor damage.

“We’ll take it as it comes. One step at a time,” he said.

Others weren’t so lucky. Maruca’s Pizza and 3 Bros Pizza were gutted by flames.

The fire, fanned by 30-mph winds, tore through six blocks of the boardwalk — dealing another blow to businesses still recovering from Sandy.

Kohr’s owner Bruce Kohr on Friday said his workers ran outside after smelling smoke and saw flames below the boardwalk.

Investigators labeled the fire suspicious because it erupted midday with no obvious cause at the end of the summer season, ABC News has reported.