ATF Joins Investigation of Ocean City's Castaway Cove Fire

Federal agents from the ATF are now joining the investigation into the cause of the Playland's Castaway Cove fire Saturday morning, Jan 30 on the Ocean City Boardwalk.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

6ABC reports that five agencies are now involved in the investigation, including the Ocean City Fire Department Investigation Unit, Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, the New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office and the ATF.

The reason given for the inclusion of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team in the investigation is because of the size of the estimated loss.

Playland's Castaway Cove says it was storing some ride parts in the arcade building for the winter. No one was inside when the fire started, and the city says no one was hurt.

City officials said Wednesday said authorities are still working to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

Townsquare Media reported that all the amusement park's rides were safe after the 4-alarm fire, but there was damage to three business offices as well as adjoining businesses -- the Hamburger Construction Company, Dairy Queen and Brume Juice.

On Facebook, Playland's Castaway Cove asked the public to share photos of the interior of the arcade to help investigators piece together clues. Those photos can be emailed to playland@boardwalkfun.com.

The amusement park has vowed to rebuild and expressed its thanks to those in the community and the first responders.

Anyone who has additional information about last Saturday's fire can contact the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office at 609-465-1135 or the Ocean City Police Department at 609-399-9111.