Five businesses damaged Watch video
KEYPORT -- Demolition crews worked Saturday to clear charred debris left from a massive fire that destroyed at least three buildings in the borough's business district.
The blaze began around 4 p.m. Friday on West Front Street and spread into nearby structures. Cell phone video footage showed a wall collapse as thick smoke and flames shot out from the building.
Two of the eight firefighters injured in the blaze were hurt in the collapse, Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Charles Webster said Saturday. The responders were all treated for non life-threatening injuries.
Officials upped the tally of injured firefighters on Saturday.
6 firefighters hurt in Keyport fire
Thirty-three firefighters were treated at the fire scene for various minor injuries, including smoke inhalation, Webster said. About 200 firefighters worked to quell the inferno for hours through late Friday.
The prosecutor's office has not determined what sparked the fire and investigators were continuing to conduct interviews, the spokesman added.
The Red Cross New Jersey said its team responded and helped a family of two with emergency assistance, including temporary housing.
Crews faced winds and a broken gas line as they worked to knock down the blaze, according to Keyport Mayor Harry Aumack, who is also a borough firefighter.
Responders from nearly a dozen nearby departments worked with local crews to prevent the flames from burning even more buildings, he told NJ Advance Media Friday.
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.