Long Branch Condo Fire 'Not Suspicious'

The cause of a fire which destroyed the attic and a large portion of the second floor of an unoccupied Renaissance on the Ocean condominium on March 16 is "not suspicious" according to Long Branch Fire Marshal Kevin J. Hayes Sr.

Hayes said the official cause of the fire is "undetermined," but the fire is believed to have started in the attic area.

"We can't eliminate a gas-fired furnace in the attic as a possible cause," Hayes said on Monday morning. 

The single-family condo, located at 33 Riviera Drive, was not occupied at the time and was undergoing renovations according to Hayes. He said no injuries were reported during the blaze. 

Although it was a windy night, the fire did not spread to any of the neighboring condominiums. 

The fire was reported just after 11 a.m. on March 16, and was extinguished by 2 a.m. the next morning.