Multi-alarm fire fought at apartment complex in Neptune

A three-alarm apartment building fire in Neptune was battled by multiple fire departments Friday, according to several published reports.

The blaze, marked by thick black smoke, was reported by 4NewYork as affecting the Bella Vista apartment complex, described by fire officials as among Neptune's "older historic buildings."

According to the report, the complex, which consists of residential apartments above retail stores, was evacuated and no injuries had been reported.

The location of the building was more specifically reported as 50 Main Ave. in Ocean Grove, according to authorities quoted by the Asbury Park Press. According to that report, the Neptune Police Department complete closed Main Ave. as firefighters tackled the blaze.

(7:20 p.m.)

A total of 9 buildings were damaged or destroyed in a wind driven fire in the Neptune Township community of Ocean Grove. Township Police Detective Lt. Mike McGhee said they responded at around 3:27 pm to a fire on the 50th block of Main Avenue where four businesses and 10 apartments are located. One house at the rear of the businesses on Heck Avenue sustained heavy damage.  Seven other structures sustained less significant damage.

McGhee said one firefighter was injured in a slip-and-fall accident and all building occupants and residents have been accounted for.

Some of the Businesses affected are Smuggler’s Cove, Fusion Jewelry, Yvonne’s Cafe.

A joint investigation is being conducted by Neptune Township, Monmouth County Fire Marshall, and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

(5 p.m.)

Firefighters from several towns are working to put out a structure fire in Ocean Grove. Neptune Township officials confirm that the fire was reported in one of the shops at 50 Main Avenue late this afternoon a block away from the Ocean.

The fire is still burning and being fueled by the high winds.  No word yet of any injuries.

Witnesses say the roof of the building just collapsed. A resident said the fire appears to have started in the back of the building, closer to Heck Ave, and spread to the front on Main,  but police have closed off just about every access road, and there’s definatly no way into or out Ocean Grove through Main Ave, Broadway also appears to be closed.

Police, Fire and EMS  from several towns are at the scene.  There’s word officials are accessing water from the nearby lake.

Rosetta Key contributed to this report.