Firefighters Take Heat For Posing As Ocean Grove Fire Raged

It wasn't a photo you't want to hang on a wall, especially if you're a firefighter.

Several firefighters who grinned for a photo while standing in front of the Ocean Grove blaze on Saturday are taking heat for what one sarcastic Twitter user called a "very classy" move.

The photos are making the rounds of social media, drawing condemnation from a variety of people – particuarly people who support the work of firefighting.

"I’m sure the owners of the businesses that burned at the NJ Boardwalk (Saturday) appreciate that you all had enough time to pose for these great pics of yourselves with their livelihood going up in smoke in the background. Very classy," wrote a Twitter user @FireMedic40NJ.

Read more: 21 Devastating Pictures Of Aftermath Of Ocean Grove 'Dunes' Fire

Here's what another Twitter user wrote:

Fire officials have said little publicly about the photos, though Rich Mikutsky, state fire marshal and director of the Division of Fire Safety, told The Asbury Park Press: "As the state fire marshal, I always encourage New Jersey’s firefighting professionals to be respectful, sensitive and compassionate to those they are assisting in the line of duty."

Dave Statter, a retired television reporter who now covers fire issues, wrote a blog post on the matter, saying: "I guess you really have to be an ass if you’re taking the time to post a story on your website critical of someone’s beach pictures."

"So, call me an ass, or worse, because of my disdain for some beach photos posted over the weekend from the Jersey Shore. Admittedly, these are some special pictures and aren’t the kind you can take during just any day at the beach."