A large fire continues to burn at an unoccupied apartment and townhome complex under construction on Broadway in Long Branch.

The fire is centered in the area of 156 to 160 Broadway, just a few blocks from the ocean, where smoke could be seen billowing heavily from upper levels of the building.

Firefighters were seen operating on the roof of the complex as flames and thick smoke poured from windows of the structure, which had not yet been occupied.

Long Branch residents along the sidewalk said the development was part of a new apartment and townhome project next to a Chinese restaurant.

A call came in around 10 a.m. reporting a fire at the restaurant, but flames were later seen coming from the upper portions of the apartment complex.

Strong winds off the ocean were pushing smoke westward into surrounding communities, including Oceanport, West Long Branch, Eatontown and parts of Tinton Falls.

There are no reports of any injuries at this time.