A tragic incident occurred under an Atlantic City pier where a man named Bruce Elder, aged 67, lost his life in a fire near a homeless encampment. It was reported that Elder, who was believed to be homeless, appeared to be sleeping when the fire broke out. An autopsy was scheduled to determine the cause of death. Fire Chief Scott Evans expressed his sadness over the event, highlighting that they frequently dealt with encampments under the pier and boardwalk. The area is known to be used by the homeless, and a small campfire was observed near where Elder’s body was found. The fire, though intentionally set, was not deemed criminal in nature by the prosecutor’s office.
The fire spread upwards, causing damage to the structure under part of the pier and some buildings above it. The heaviest damage was observed on a large storage building, a rear section of a 99-cent store, and about 10% of an arcade on the pier. Repairs were deemed necessary for the pier and its buildings, but there was optimism that it could be reopened safely before the Memorial Day weekend. Fortunately, the main section of the Boardwalk remained intact and open. The fire, which occurred at 7:06 p.m. and escalated to a second alarm by 7:30 p.m., took three hours to be brought under control with the efforts of approximately 50 firefighters facing challenging winds from the ocean that fueled the flames beneath the pier.
This was not the first fire incident on Atlantic City’s Boardwalk in recent times. In November, a fire damaged a section of the Boardwalk outside Resorts casino, with potential involvement of homeless individuals underneath the walkway being one of the numerous possibilities considered. Moreover, the pier had experienced two fires in November 2009, weeks apart. The first fire damaged multiple businesses, while the second incident led to the discovery of a homeless man’s body under the pier. Authorities later confirmed that foul play was not suspected in the man’s death. These incidents serve as reminders of the challenges faced in managing the homeless population in the area and maintaining safety in public spaces.
The investigation into the cause of the fire under the Central Pier was initiated, with authorities working to determine the circumstances that led to this unfortunate event. As homeless individuals frequently utilize the area, there is a need for increased vigilance and oversight to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. The presence of encampments and campfires near structures poses a risk to both the homeless population and the general public, underscoring the importance of implementing safety measures and finding solutions to address homelessness effectively. Further collaboration between law enforcement, social services, and community organizations may be necessary to ensure the well-being and security of vulnerable individuals while safeguarding public spaces from similar incidents in the future.
In times of tragedy, it is essential for communities to come together and support one another. The loss of Bruce Elder in the fire under the Atlantic City pier serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by the homeless population and the urgency to address issues that contribute to such incidents. By working collaboratively and compassionately, solutions can be developed to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals in the community. The memory of Bruce Elder and others who have lost their lives in similar circumstances can inspire positive change and a commitment to creating a more inclusive and secure environment for everyone.
