Dozens of firefighters battled the Ocean Grove blaze, which began about 5 a.m. at the Manchester at 25 Ocean Pathway, according to Michael Bascom, deputy emergency coordinator for Neptune Township. At least four buildings, including the historic Manchester Inn, have been reduced to charred rubble and three others damaged by the wind-swept fire. Five homes facing Ocean Pathway and two facing Bath Avenue, which borders the block to the north, eventually caught fire. Several of the homes that burned were occupied, Bascom said, but residents were safely evacuated and none were injured. Two firefighters were treated for minor injuries. However, officials for the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office say officials are checking tax records and calling owners of the various properties to make certain no one is missing. Fire officials are still working to determine what caused the blaze.
Sue Linfante
