Officials: Seaside Park Ice Cream Hut Fire Was No Accident

The remnants of an ice cream shack on the 2nd Avenue beach in Seaside Park. (Photo: Daniel Nee)

Officials now believe the fire at an ice cream stand on the beach in Seaside Park may have been set intentionally.

The early morning fire engulfed the 10-foot by 10-foot ice cream stand on the 2nd Avenue beach, one of several around town, said Al Della Fave, spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office. The blaze, which broke out before 5 a.m., complete destroyed the stand

Della Fave said a K9 from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department was brought in to determine the presence of ignitable liquids.

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“During the sniff, the K-9 had a positive indication of the presence of ignitable liquids in the area of the floor system along the south side of the structure,” said Della Fave.

A full scene examination was then conducted and determined that the area of origin was within the gazebo, along the floor system towards the South side of the structure, said Della Fave. The partnering agencies concluded that open flame to ignitable liquids couldn’t be eliminated as the cause of the fire.

Anyone who has any information regarding this case is being asked to contact OCPO Major Crimes Arson Investigation Unit Det. Christopher Bonner at 732 929-2027 Ext. 2449. 

All information will be treated completely confidential, Della Fave said.