A three-alarm fireman swept through the historic embankment of the Old Port in Portland, Mainethe day after Christmas, causing damage to buildings and sink one boat.
According to the fire service, at about 5:30 pm on Friday, ferry passengers noticed flames at Customs Wharf, a pier that extends into the harbor and is home to several businesses. press release.
Within minutes, the first emergency crews arrived on the scene where they encountered “heavy smoke and fire” spreading through several commercial buildings. Additional units from nearby towns, as well as a fire boat, quickly joined the response.
“Due to the severity of the fires, issues with multiple additional exposures, access issues associated with being on the pier, and structural deterioration of the building, crews were ultimately forced to act defensively,” officials said.
Photos released by the Portland Fire Department showed burning buildings next to moored boats and huge plumes of smoke rising from the city's skyline. And video posted by Portland, Maine's Old Port shows the raging fire being doused with water, causing the harbor to glow red.
The day after Christmas, a fire engulfed Portland, Maine's historic waterfront, burning buildings and sinking at least one boat (Portland Press Herald)
The fire was declared under control around 7:20 p.m., nearly two hours after firefighters rushed to the embankment. (Portland Press Herald)
The fire was declared under control at around 7.20pm, almost two hours after firefighters rushed to the embankment.
“Given the age of the buildings and, obviously, the likelihood of a fire spreading here, everyone took action. really great job we have to work very hard to stop the fire where we did,” Deputy Fire Chief John Hendricks said during a news conference, according to the report Bangor Daily News.
A pair of firefighters suffered minor injuries that did not require hospitalization, and no one in the public was injured, officials said. As a result of the fire, several boats on the pier were damaged and one ship sank.
“The public is advised to exercise caution in the area as crews remain on scene providing assistance to hot spots and due to possible icy conditions associated with operations,” officials said Saturday.
It is unclear what caused the fire, which is currently under investigation by the Maine Fire Marshal's Office.
The cause or origin of the fire remains unknown, officials said (Old Port of Portland, Maine).
Several businesses operating near the marina responded to the fire on social media.
“I pray that everyone in the Old Port and surrounding areas is safe now,” Thirsty Pig the pub wrote in a Facebook post.
Restaurant Illuminatorseafood restaurant, said in a post Saturday that it would be open “regular hours if you need a familiar place to gather.”
“Our hearts are with everyone affected by last night’s fire at Custom House Wharf,” the company added. “We are grateful to first responders and for the safety of our neighbors.”
