Uncooperative witnesses stymie Lakewood, NJ wildfire arson case
LAKEWOOD The investigation into who set a wildfire along the Garden State Parkway in March is at an impasse because of uncooperative witnesses.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer. said the fire was intentionally set but has not disclosed details about how the fire started or a motive for starting it.
He said on Monday that investigators have reached an impasse because nearly five dozen potential witnesses will not speak. Detectives have attempted to interview approximately 60 potential witnesses and reviewed video recordings from cameras in proximity to the fire, Billhimer said in a written statement. The vast majority of these potential witnesses have been less than cooperative with our investigation, and as such, we are currently at an impasse at this point in time.
The Forest Fire Service firefighter who collapsed while battling the Lakewood wildfire weeks ago regained consciousnesses on Wednesday and is making progress, according to his family.
The wind-whipped fire along the Garden State Parkway burned 167 acres on March 14. Dozens of homes were put at risk on both sides of the highway. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said a preliminary investigation determined the fire was intentionally set but no arrests have been made.
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The firefighter was identified by his son to New Jersey 101.5 as Brian Sauers who is in his early 60s, a volunteer member of the East Dover Fire Company and a municipal engineer for Lakewood. He was working the fire in back of the Lowe s store on the Brick/Lakewood border when he collapsed, his said.
Lakewood wildfire firefighter continues recovery weeks later mybeachradio.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from mybeachradio.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.