EDGEWATER— Maintenance workers accidentally sparked the blaze that torched an Edgewater apartment complex Wednesday and displaced more than 1,000 people, officials said.

Gov. Chris Christie and local officials on Thursday night confirmed that maintenance workers performing plumbing work with a blowtorch started the fire.

After the fire started in the walls of a first floor apartment, the workers called a supervisor before calling 911, Police Chief William Skidmore said. It took 15 minutes before the call was made, a long time in a fire, he said.

But the delay wasn't criminal, Skidmore said.

"It was an accident," he said. "It was a tragic accident, but that's what it was. It was not a criminal act."

The cause of the fire was determined by an investigation by the Bergen County Proseuctor's Office arson squad.

Chistie, along with county and local officials, revealed these details in a press conference outside the Edgewater Community Center, where the town is providing aid to displaced residents. The governor and his cabinet huddled with Bergen County Executive James Tedesco, Mayor Michael McPartland and local emergency responders before greeting relief workers and victims of the fire.

A spokesman declined to immediately comment on the results of the arson squad investigation.

Borough schools will be closed again Friday, McPartland said. He urged everyone to stay away from the area as authorities continue to work on the site.

The fire destroyed 240 of the complex's 408 units, permanently displacing 500 residents and temporarily forcing another 520 people from nearby homes. Hundreds of emergency personnel members from 35 different towns responded to the fire, which was still smoldering on Thursday.

Almost all of the displaced residents who have not found shelter are staying at local hotels, McPartland said. Many of the displaced received aid at the community center, where representatives various groups, including insurance companies, the state Motor Vehicle Commission, the county, hotels and even rental agents from other apartment buildings were on hand to help victims.

Anyone wishing to donate to the victims of the fire can use fundraising page set up by the borough at http://www.gofundme.com/edgewater-fire. McPartland said this is the only Edgewater-sanctioned fundraiser.

NJ Advance Media Staff Writer Noah Cohen contributed reporting

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