Deemed ‘Accidental’ By Authorities

Flames recently tore through a vacant storefront on Beach 98 street and Rockaway Beach boulevard. By John C. McLoughlin

A vacant commercial building on Beach 98 street and Rockaway Beach boulevard was destroyed in a fire that tore through it on Sunday afternoon, April 2.

Fourteen units and 66 firefighters responded to the "all-hands" fire at 3:11 p.m. and had it under control by 4:13 p.m. All that remained after the fire was extinguished was the frame of the building.

There were no injuries reported. A Fire Department spokesperson told The Wave that the fire appears to be "accidental," but there will be a "further investigation."

Empty for at least 15 years, this building has been an eyesore in the redeveloping neighborhood.

Firefighters responded to this "all-hands" fire, which took more than an hour to extinguish. Since last year, Jonathan Miller, a real estate developer, has been constructing houses along Beach 97 and Beach 98 streets. Commercial development has also come alive around those streets, with new businesses opening and plans for other stores to be opened in the future. Plans for the demolition of the building are underway. Presently there are police barriers surrounding the building to prevent anyone from wandering onto the property.