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Silver Sand State Park Reopens After Massive Fire

Parts of Silver Sands State Park reopened Friday, March 22, following a massive fire that destroyed a large construction project underway at the popular outdoor destination in Milford.

A huge fire destroyed several buildings under construction at Silver Sands State Park.

A huge fire destroyed several buildings under construction at Silver Sands State Park.

Photo Credit: Milford Fire Department

During the fire, three buildings that sit on top of a raised boardwalk were destroyed by a huge blaze around 10:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, said Milford Fire Department Battalion Chief Anthony Fabrizi.

First arriving firefighting units found two of the structures fully involved with fire and a third building nearly 50 percent consumed in flames, Fabrizi said. 

When the fire was out, the $9.1 million project by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection was mostly destroyed. 

State officials are working to see if any of the buildings left are salvageable and what needs to be demolished. So far, only a walkway to the damaged buildings seemed to have survived the damage. 

The buildings were supposed to house a concession stand, dining areas, offices, and public restrooms.

The park is a popular spot for visiting the beach, walking and other outdoor activities. The fire didn't seem to keep visitors away with some even taking in the sites in the rain on Thursday. 

Officials said that although the park reopens Friday, parts of it near the burned-out area will remain blocked off.

The state had hoped to open the new section for the Memorial Day weekend.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

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