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The neighboring Asbury Park community is quickly reaching out to those affected by the Friday morning blaze in Ocean Grove.

No lives were lost but two firefighters sustained minor injuries in the five-alarm blaze that broke out near 5 a.m. Friday along Seaview Avenue. In total, seven structures were affected and dozens were displaced, officials said

The Asbury has begun taking in displaced fire victims, officials there said. The first night’s stay is complimentary and they are working with the Red Cross to establish how extended stay rates will be covered, an employee said.

The hotel and entertainment venue immediately donated t-shirts and food and will offer complimentary drinks and light fare to the fire victims, the employee said.  

Hot Mess Studio, located at 651 Cookman Ave, is offering any affected by the blaze a free wash and style through next week.

Lock and Shade, located at 505 Lake Ave, will collect clean, new or gently worn winter coats, jackets, clothes and shoes, as well as household items during business hours.

The Wonder Bar, located at 1213 Ocean Ave, will collect pet supply donations on behalf of Asbury Boardwalk Rescue, starting 7 p.m. Friday and from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Currently clothes and food donations are being accepted at the mobile office set up by Assembly members Eric Houghtaling and Joann Downey [D-Monmouth]. Located a St. Paul’s United Methodist Church at 80 Embury Avenue, information about available resources and help navigating state and local programs is being offered. For more info, call 732-695-3371.

Senator Jennifer Beck [R-Monmouth] is collecting items for individuals affected by the Ocean Grove fire this morning.

Neptune Township officials have estimated up to 40 families may have been affected, she said in a written statement.

Beck said most need items include blankets, towels and toiletries, which can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at her office on the third floor of 32 Monmouth St.

The Ocean Grove Homeowners Association is coordinating additional efforts.

Neptune Township Committeewoman Carol Rizzo thanked the Camp Meeting Association and the Starving Artist for providing the firefighters and EMT with coffee. The Camp Meeting Association also opened its Community Room.

“The fire was devastating but we will wait for the report from the fire investigators before making any statements, Rizzo said via a Friday afternoon social media post.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the owner of Food Lupe AP, located on Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park. Her apartment building was among those that went up in flames. According to the post Kerry was able to rescue one of her cats but lost everything in blaze.   

Also affected by the blaze is Caitlin Moran, an English teacher at Point Pleasant Borough High School. A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help Moran.

A GoFundMe campaign also has been launched for an 8 year-old girl and mother.

[Photo courtesy of Mark Smith]

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