A January 30 morning fire sent plumes of smoke billowing into the air as it burned at Playland’s Castaway Cove, an amusement park on the Ocean City, New Jersey, Boardwalk. Black smoke could be seen from miles away.
Playland’s Castaway Cove’s arcade and offices, as well as the connected Hamburger Construction Company and Dairy Queen, suffered extensive damage from the west wind-fueled fire. Neighboring buildings were spared. The Park’s signature outdoor amusements that tower over the Boardwalk such as the Gale Force roller-coaster and Double Shot thrill ride appeared untouched by the flames. There appeared to be no structural damage to the boardwalk. But the decorative pirate ship, located above the boardwalk entrance of the arcade, was destroyed. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
Guests were assured on the Park’s Facebook page that they will rebuild and be open in the Spring, None of the buildings were occupied at the time of the fire and there were no reported injuries.
