Yesterday morning, neglected fireworks caused a fire at Jensen Beach, damaging the popular Sand Dune Café. WPTV reports that Martin County Fire Rescue crews were summoned to the scene on Northeast Ocean Boulevard shortly after 3:30 a.m., where they encountered fire-consuming parts of the celebrated eatery.
Initial assessments by fire investigators suggest the conflagration originated in a garbage receptacle where spent fireworks had been heedlessly tossed and, not yet extinguished, ignited, the flames subsequently lashed out engulfing the boardwalk and carrying their insatiable appetite to an awning and an outer wall before firefighters were able to quell the tongues of fire, Martin County Fire Rescue extinguished the flames in minutes and no injuries were reported in the incident, CBS12 revealed that the State Fire Marshal has launched an investigation into the exact cause.
Cory Pippin, a Public Information Officer for Martin County Fire Rescue, underscored the importance of proper fireworks disposal. "I think the intention there was probably good, to throw away fireworks after they’ve been used," Pippin told CBS12, “The problem was they didn’t consider the fact that those fireworks were still a potential threat.” She further reminded public to soak used fireworks in water from 15 minutes up to 48 hours before discarding them, this simple step could prevent such unfortunate events.
The full scale of damage is being assessed and thoughts of rebuilding linger in the coastal air.
