NEWS

Investigators search for cause of Pumpkin Center fire

J.D. Gallop
FLORIDA TODAY

Cocoa Beach Fire Department investigators are working to determine the cause of a fire that gutted a multi-million dollar beachside mansion once owned by Al Neuharth, the founder of FLORIDA TODAY and USA TODAY. So far, the state fire marshal's office said nothing stands out as suspicious.

Investigators continue to comb through the blackened remnants of the 11-bedroom, 13-bath compound that had become a landmark in Cocoa Beach.

Cocoa Beach Fire Chief Ryan Duckworth said that the investigation could take anywhere from several days to several weeks to complete. The agency's investigators are also interviewing the current owner of the iconic home known as the "Pumpkin Center."

Pumpkin Center fire: Cocoa Beach mansion a 'total loss'

It was named by Neuharth for a crossroads in his birthplace, Eureka, South Dakota.

"Obviously I can't say for sure. There was construction going on. We found building materials, some Dumpsters indicative of remodeling," Duckworth said.

Crews first responded before 9 p.m. Tuesday night and arrived to find flames sweeping through the 10,000 square-foot oceanside home.. Along with Cocoa Beach Fire Department units, Cape Canaveral Fire-Rescue and Brevard County Fire-Rescue raced to the scene at Third Street South and Atlantic Avenue.

Early Wednesday, firefighters remained at the site to dampen hot spots. Portions of the site were also roped off to the public. A light haze of smoke - and other signs of smoldering - were also reported by passersby in the area.

The state sent fire marshals to the site of the burned out structure early today after Cocoa Beach Fire Department officials reached out.