Monmouth County fire destroys at least 4 homes

OCEAN GROVE, N.J. - Several homes were destroyed and other buildings seriously damaged by a windswept fire that tore through Ocean Grove yesterday. A firefighter and a first-aid squad member sustained minor injuries.

It was not clear what had sparked the fire, which was reported just before 5 a.m. and burned for several hours. It apparently started in one of the homes and quickly spread, officials said.

Several fire departments fought the blaze, but strong winds and heavy rain hampered their efforts.

At least four homes were destroyed, and another residence and a nearby historic inn were damaged. Some homes were vacant, and residents in the other buildings were safely evacuated

- AP