The cause of the fire at Blithewald in Rumson Monday has been ruled accidental, following a joint investigation by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Monmouth County Fire Marshal and Rumson Police Department.
Investigators believe the fire started in the area of a wall located between a guest bedroom, and an en-suite bathroom, both located on the second floor. Investigators were unable to rule out energized electric circuits or equipment in that area, said Charlie Webster, of the Prosecutor’s Office.
Sea Bright Fire Department’s video footage from April 20 shows how firefighters entered Blithewald and searched some of the rooms prepared for the upcoming VNA Stately Homes By-the-Sea Designer Show House, looking for anyone remaining inside and being driven back by the fire. Warning: some may find the language offensive.
A message posted on the Sea Bright Fire & Rescue Facebook page read, “We feel that releasing this film will not only give the public insight on what we do but will allow our brothers and sisters of the service an opportunity to better both themselves and ourselves in the future.”
