Governor Chris Christie Vows to Get New Jersey Boardwalk Back to Normal After Fire
The fire destroyed 30 buildings and so much of the boardwalk.
Sept. 15, 2013— -- As investigators comb through the rubble of the New Jersey fire for evidence, Gov. Chris Christie vows to get the boardwalk back to normal -- starting with a surprise visit Saturday afternoon to the side of the boardwalk still standing.
Just days ago, on Thursday night when the Christie first visited the site of the massive fire, he said he wanted to "throw up.""Now it's like, okay, now it's time to get back to work," said Gov. Christie in an interview with ABC News.
But what started that fire at the Fun Town Pier custard shop?
Sources told ABC News the fire is considered "suspicious." As many as 15 ATF agents are on the scene searching for clues.
The fire destroyed 30 buildings and so much of the boardwalk just rebuilt following Superstorm Sandy.
Christie told ABC News he still doesn't know what caused the massive blaze.
"Whatever the cause is we will let law enforcement and insurance agencies find out. I suspect I will be one of the last people to know," said Christie.
When asked what message he has for the people across the country who have expressed sadness over what happened at the Seaside boardwalk, the governor said, "These are really caring and compassionate and warm people, and they appreciate all the help that is coming from around the country, around the world, and especially all the prayers."
Rebuilding After Fire, Superstorm Sandy
Residents said the charred debris is a devastating reminder of what it took to rebuild the shore following the storm.
"Sandy was enough for us," New Jersey resident Cindy Wegeman told ABC News. "Now that we just got done rebuilding, the fire came and took that away, too."
At the height of the blaze, more than 400 firefighters worked quickly to quell the wild flames, breaking through the boardwalk to stop the fire from spreading.
New Jersey Boardwalk Fire Eyed 'Suspicious' By Officials
The investigation into the cause of the fire has been taken over by the county prosecutor, which officials said was a routine procedure.
Al Della Fave, spokesman for the Ocean County Prosecutor's office, said investigators were asking the public to come forward with any videos or photos they might have shot before or during the fire to help them as they try to piece the circumstances together.
Individuals can call 732-929-2027 with information.
ABC News' Alexis Shaw contributed to this report.