67-year-old man killed during Atlantic City, NJ, Boardwalk fire

A fire along the Atlantic City Boardwalk at an adjacent pier Thursday evening claimed the life of a 67-year-old man.

Bruce Eder of Atlantic City, NJ, Killed

The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office says at about 7:00, a blaze was reported in the area of the Boardwalk and Tennessee Avenue at Central Pier.

That three-alarm blaze claimed the life of Bruce Eder, last known to live in Atlantic City.

NJ.com reported several businesses were damaged.

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Homeless to Blame for Another Boardwalk Blaze?

Authorities say it appears the fire started under the boardwalk and spread upward, damaging the walkway and the pier.

A small homeless encampment was observed in the area and the cause of the fire appears to be an "open flame to available combustibles."

Officials say a campfire was burning near the victim and "although the fire was intentionally set, it does not appear to be criminal in nature."

According to the prosecutor's office, Eder appeared to be sleeping and his official cause of death is pending an autopsy.

• February 3, 2023: Atlantic City Boardwalk Fire Across From Ocean Casino Resort
• November 15, 2023: Fire at Resorts Casino in Atlantic City Likely Began Under Boardwalk
• January 10, 2024: 2-alarm Fire on Atlantic City Boardwalk Under Garden Pier

Fire Damages Historic Pier in Atlantic City, NJ

WPG Talk Radio 95.5's Harry Hurley says Central Pier first opened in 1884 and was originally called Applegate’s Pier. It later became Young & McShea's Pier and then Central Pier. It was known as the first successful amusement pier in Atlantic City.