A tragic incident occurred in Atlantic City as a man, identified as Bruce Eder, lost his life in a fire that broke out under the Central Pier at the boardwalk and Tennessee Avenue. Eder, believed to be homeless, was found sleeping when the fire started, leading to his death. The fire, although intentionally set, was not deemed to be criminal in nature by authorities. The blaze caused damage to structures on the pier, including a large storage building and a portion of a 99-cent store and arcade. Despite the damage, Fire Chief Scott Evans expressed optimism that the pier could be reopened before Memorial Day weekend.
Approximately 50 firefighters worked for three hours to contain the fire, which spread due to strong winds coming off the ocean. This was not the first fire incident on Atlantic City’s Boardwalk, as a similar occurrence took place outside Resorts Casino in November. The cause of that fire was never determined, but the presence of homeless individuals underneath the boardwalk was considered a potential factor. In 2009, the pier experienced two fires within weeks of each other, with one resulting in damage to several businesses and the other involving the discovery of a deceased homeless man under the pier.
The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office noted that a small homeless encampment was found in the vicinity of the fire, with a campfire near where Eder’s body was discovered. An autopsy was scheduled to determine the exact cause of his death. Evans mentioned that they often encounter homeless individuals in the area under the pier and boardwalk. While repairs are needed for the pier and some buildings, the main section of the Boardwalk remained unaffected by the fire and remained open to the public. The fire, which began in the evening and escalated to a second alarm, had repercussions on the pier’s structures and surrounding buildings.
In light of the recent incident, there are concerns regarding the safety of the Boardwalk and the potential risks posed by homeless encampments in the area. The recurring fires underscore the need for measures to ensure the protection of both the homeless population and the structures on the pier. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and work towards preventing similar incidents in the future. The community mourns the loss of Bruce Eder and reflects on the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness in Atlantic City. As repairs are conducted and investigations continue, efforts are being made to address the underlying issues contributing to these tragic events.
