Skip to Main Content

Avenel, New Jersey: Hulking Robotoid Fireman of Metal

The blocky "Smoke Eater," made of strips of metal, wears a gas mask and appears ready to crash through the nearest flaming wall with his ax. Not your typical firefighter tribute.

Address:
346 Avenel St., Avenel, NJ
Directions:
Downtown. On the northbound side of US Hwy 1/9, outside the firehouse, which is between Avenel and Hyatt Sts.
Admission:
Free
Save to My Sights

Visitor Tips and News About Hulking Robotoid Fireman of Metal

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Smoke Eater.

Hulking Robotoid Fireman of Metal

The Smoke Eater statue is tough to get to but really a gem. Awesome to see that this sculpture art is still around!

[Anthony B, 06/28/2014]

Smoke Eater.

Big Metal Faceless Smoke Eater

This was another "What the hell is that?" sight along the highway. Turns out it's a sculpture commemorating the firefighters of Avenel. According to the small plaque at the foot of the faceless oxygen-breathing creature, it was erected in June 2012, created by two sculptors, and made possible by a personal grant.

"The Smoke Eater" is its name, but if your glasses are foggy you may think the Tin Man from Oz is hanging out with the firefighters, hoping to be oiled or something.

[Diane Plumley, 01/20/2014]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Stainless Steel LocomotiveStainless Steel Locomotive, Woodbridge, NJ - 2 mi.
Beatles Mural from the 1970sBeatles Mural from the 1970s, Carteret, NJ - 3 mi.
World's 2nd Largest Light BulbWorld's 2nd Largest Light Bulb, Edison, NJ - 3 mi.
In the region:
Elevator Historical Society Museum, Long Island City, NY - 21 mi.

Latest Tips Across Roadside America

Catch up on the latest discoveries from the road.

Explore Thousands of Oddball Tourist Attractions!

Unique destinations in the U.S. and Canada are our special obsession. Use our attraction recommendation and maps to plan your next road trip.

My Sights

My Sights on Roadside America

Create Your Own Bizarre Road Trips! ...Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad Roadside America app for iPhone, iPad. On-route maps, 1,000s of photos, special research targets! ...More

Roadside Presidents app: iPhone, iPad Roadside Presidents app for iPhone, iPad. POTUS landmarks, oddities. ...More

New Jersey Latest Tips and Stories

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

JFK's World Famous Twine Ball, Highland, Wisconsin (Mar 18-24, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

More Sightings

Favorite Quirky City Sights