Christie Declares State of Emergency as Fire Destroys Boardwalk

Fire Destroys New Jersey Shore Boardwalk, Dozens of Businesses

New Jersey Gov. Christie declared a state of emergency on Thursday as fire crews worked to contain a massive blaze that has ravaged a large section of the boardwalk along the New Jersey Shore, devouring dozens of nearby businesses, according to reports.

Hundreds of fire crews have been deployed to tackle the blaze in the Seaside Heights area which became a six-alarm fire in less than two hours, destroying large sections of a landmark that was recently restored following the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy.

“I feel like I want to throw up… After all the effort and time and resources that we’ve put in to help the folks of Seaside Park and Seaside Heights rebuild, it’s just unthinkable.” WCBS quoted Christie as saying.

The massive blaze began in Kohr’s Frozen Custard near the boardwalk in Seaside Park, and rapidly spread over seven blocks. About 50 businesses were destroyed, said NJ.com.