BREAKING: A powerful three-alarm fire erupted on Portland’s waterfront Friday night, devastating local businesses and damaging boats at Custom House Wharf. The Portland Fire Department responded to the urgent scene after receiving calls from Casco Bay Lines ferries around 5:30 p.m., Deputy Fire Chief John Hendricks confirmed.
The blaze reportedly began in a boat repair shop and quickly spread to the adjacent Maritime Antiques store and Sea Bags Factory Store, causing significant destruction. Smoke billowed over the harbor, visible from as far as South Portland, creating a dramatic scene as flames leapt into the air.
Firefighters, battling icy conditions and navigating nearly a foot of water, worked from both land and water to suppress the flames. The fireboat deployed master streams directly from the harbor, while frozen hydrants burst, complicating the firefighting efforts. Hendricks noted, “The fireboat was of great assistance,” emphasizing how critical it was in controlling the blaze.
Firefighters managed to bring the fire under control by 7:30 p.m., but not before significant damage occurred. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among civilians, although one firefighter sustained a minor injury.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with bystanders offering warm beverages to firefighters who were drenched from the ongoing battle. “I know a number of guys have wet feet tonight,” Hendricks remarked, highlighting the challenging conditions faced by the crew.
The aftermath left the repair shop in ruins, with the roof of the Maritime Antiques store collapsed and a number of boats nearby sustaining damage—one reported to have sunk. The fire not only impacted these businesses but also posed risks to nearby popular seafood restaurants, including Harbor Fish Market and Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room.
As the fire response concluded, members of the Office of the State Fire Marshal began their preliminary investigation into the cause, which remains undetermined due to the extensive damage. “It could take time to determine the cause of the fire,” Hendricks warned.
In total, nearly 100 firefighters from the Greater Portland area were activated to combat the blaze, showcasing a remarkable response to this urgent situation. As the night wore on, the once-bustling wharf was left eerily quiet, with only the sounds of vehicles and firefighters remaining.
This developing story underscores the resilience of the Portland community as they face the aftermath of this devastating incident. Stay tuned for updates as authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the fire.
