Fire At Richard's Sub Shop In Bayville Ruled Accidental: Prosecutor's Office

If you drove by Richard's Sub World heading north on Route 9 in Bayville today, it would be hard to tell there was a fire on Tuesday afternoon that closed the business, at least for now.

Inside the popular eatery, it was another story. Debris, broken glass and a heavy smell of smoke was everywhere. Yellow police tape surrounded the building at the intersection of Route 9 and Scott Drive.

The blaze that broke out has been ruled accidental, a spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said.

Fire officials determined that the fire started on the north side of the building, inside the roof system above the rear entry door, said spokesman Al Della Fave.

"The cause of the fire is accidental, open flame to available combustibles, more specifically a propane torch to wooden roof... can not be eliminated," he said.

The owner was not on site yesterday afternoon. But someone had changed the lettering on the big white sign that usually advertises specials.

"Thank you for your support, we will be back soon," the sign reads.

At least three local fire companies responded to the blaze. Both the Ocean County Sheriff's Office and Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen F. Amato Jr. asked drivers to avoid the Route 9 and Scott Drive area at the height of the blaze.

The Bayville Volunteer Fire Company, Pinewald Pioneer Fire Company, the Manitou Park Volunteer Fire, the Forked River Fire Company and the Bayville First Aid Squad responded.

The business is closed on Tuesdays. It was unoccupied at the time of the blaze, Amato said.

One fireman suffered heat exhaustion and another had a minor injury. Neither firefighter had to be taken to the hospital, the mayor said.

"I want to thank our volunteers and police department for a job well done," Amato said.

Richard's Sub World has been a local business in Bayville since the 1970s, he said.

"Being a lifelong resident, I've frequented Richards For decades," Amato said. "I'm am saddened by this. My thoughts and best wishes go to owners Richard and Robin and the entire Richard's Sub World Family."

Images: Patricia A. Miller