On Friday night, a devastating three-alarm fire broke out on Custom House Wharf in Portland, affecting multiple businesses and nearby vessels. The incident began around 5:30 p.m. and quickly escalated, prompting significant response from local fire departments.
Fire Incident Overview
The blaze originated in a boat repair shop and spread to the adjacent Maritime Antiques store and the Sea Bags Factory Store. Deputy Fire Chief Jon Hendricks reported that flames were visible from Casco Bay Lines ferries, prompting calls to the fire department.
Fire Suppression Efforts
- Firefighters battled severe conditions, including icy water at the scene.
- A fireboat from the harbor played a crucial role, deploying water streams onto the blaze.
- Firefighters faced frozen hydrants, which burst and flooded half of the wharf.
Responders worked diligently, attacking the flames from both the water and the roof of the impacted buildings. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when the roof collapsed while crews were engaged, sending smoke billowing across the wharf.
Response and Aftermath
By 7:30 p.m., firefighters had brought the fire under control, although the area was left in a chaotic state. Crews contended with flooded conditions and icy terrain, making the firefighting efforts particularly challenging. One firefighter sustained a minor injury, but no further injuries were reported.
Damage Assessment
The fire caused extensive damage:
- Maritime Antiques was destroyed.
- The boat repair shop was reduced to debris.
- Sea Bags Factory Store sustained damages.
- Multiple boats anchored nearby experienced damage, with reports of at least one vessel sinking.
By 9 p.m., the once chaotic scene had settled, with crews beginning to clear the area. Investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal were also on site, initiating a preliminary inquiry into the cause of the blaze.
Community Support
Local residents showed their support for the firefighters, providing hot beverages as teams worked tirelessly to manage the situation. Approximately 100 firefighters from Greater Portland were involved in the response, including personnel from neighboring districts.
The fire’s exact cause remains undetermined pending further investigation. Fire officials acknowledged that understanding the circumstances could take time due to the severity of the damage.
