Stunning Video Shows Dover Fire Wreckage In Morris County

DOVER, NJ — The devastation caused by a fast-moving fire that tore through downtown Dover destroying businesses and leaving over 100 people homeless Monday has been captured via a drone video by Andre Malok of NJ.com.

The video, totaling 44 seconds, does an overhead sweep of the buildings destroyed by the blaze, where pockets of smoke can be seen as heavy machinery sifts through the rubble.

Dover Mayor James Dodd said at a news conference Tuesday that the fire was fueled by a natural gas line and that it took time for the power company to locate that shut off. Dodd said that as of noon Tuesday there were still hotspots firefighters were dealing with.

Randolph resident Laurie Marelli was on the scene at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning.

"There were many firefighters still on the scene, still actively fighting the fire. That portion of the fire [pictured] was exposed when they lifted the rubble. Once it was seen, they had water shooting at it at many angles," Marelli told Patch.

The fire broke out at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, and firefighters from around North Jersey have been battling the flames. It has been devastating to the block: at least three buildings have collapsed as a result, the Daily Record reported.

There have been no reports of injuries, but at least 40 people are permanently displaced. Officials told ABC7 the flames broke out in the basement of a luncheonette, and were so powerful because they were fed by natural gas. No cause of the fire has been revealed yet, but officials said the cause was under investigation.

Officials said the outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming— so overwhelming that they can no longer accept donations for the displaced residents.

Most families are staying with relatives or friends, while a small number are at the community center and will be assisted by the Red Cross. Volunteers are asked to stop going to the community center to ensure the privacy of the families.

A GoFundMe account was set up by Daisy Lopez and it has garnered nearly $2,000 in 17 hours. The goal of the fund is $10,000.

"Prayers to all of the victims of this horrific fire, my hometown of Dover is strong and I hope that everyone comes together to help those in need," Diana Acevedo wrote on the fundraiser page.

Jeanne Stifelman echoed those sentiments.

"Neighbors should help neighbors in times of need," she said.

GoFundMe is a Patch Promotional Partner.

Photo screenshot courtesy of NJ.Com and YouTube)

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