Fire destroys 3 homes in Seaside Heights before Easter

GoFundMe campaigns launched to help displaced families recover

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:26pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a raging fire consuming several small houses in the distance, with thick, billowing smoke obscuring the scene and dwarfing the physical structures, conveying the overwhelming, sublime scale of the natural disaster.A devastating fire lays waste to a coastal community, underscoring the ongoing challenges Seaside Heights faces in the wake of extreme weather events.Trenton Today

A fast-moving fire in Seaside Heights, New Jersey destroyed three homes and four vehicles on Sheridan Avenue the day before Easter. The cause of the blaze is under investigation, but the community has rallied to support the displaced families through online fundraising campaigns.

Why it matters

Seaside Heights is a popular beach town that was devastated by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. This latest disaster is another setback for the community as it continues to recover from extreme weather events and rebuild its housing stock.

The details

The fire started around 3 a.m. at 40 Sheridan Avenue and quickly spread to the neighboring homes at #44 and #34. One of the older homes burned rapidly, and four vehicles were completely destroyed. Seaside Heights Police Chief Tommy Boyd said the fire went to three alarms as firefighters worked to contain the blaze.

  • The fire was first reported around 3 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • The fire occurred the day before Easter Sunday.

The players

Tommy Boyd

The Seaside Heights Police Chief who provided details about the fire.

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What they’re saying

“The cause of the fire remains under investigation.”

— Tommy Boyd, Seaside Heights Police Chief

What’s next

GoFundMe campaigns have been created to help the residents of the three destroyed homes, as the community works to support the displaced families and determine the cause of the blaze.

The takeaway

This fire is the latest setback for the Seaside Heights community, which has faced a series of natural disasters in recent years. The rapid spread of the flames and complete destruction of multiple homes highlights the need for improved fire safety and disaster preparedness in the area.