UPDATE: A massive three-alarm fire erupted on Portland’s waterfront on Friday evening, devastating local businesses and damaging multiple boats docked at Custom House Wharf. The blaze, which ignited around 5:30 p.m., was reported by passengers on Casco Bay Lines ferries who witnessed the flames.
Authorities confirmed that the fire originated in a boat repair shop and quickly spread to the adjacent Maritime Antiques store and the Sea Bags Factory Store. Deputy Fire Chief John Hendricks reported that firefighters faced not only the raging flames but also treacherous icy conditions, with nearly a foot of water flooding the area due to burst hydrants.
Fire crews from the Portland Fire Department, along with nearly 100 firefighters from nearby towns, responded rapidly. They fought the fire from both land and water, utilizing a fireboat to deploy master streams from the harbor. “The fireboat was of great assistance,” Hendricks noted, emphasizing its critical role in containing the rapidly spreading fire as firefighters battled the cold and waterlogged conditions.
By 7:30 p.m., firefighters had managed to bring the blaze under control, allowing them to slowly exit the scene, drenched and exhausted. “I know a number of guys have wet feet tonight,” Hendricks quipped, highlighting the challenging circumstances faced by the responders.
While there were no serious injuries reported, one firefighter sustained a minor injury during the operation. Fortunately, the community rallied around the firefighters, with bystanders offering cups of hot chocolate to help warm them in the frigid temperatures.
The damage from the fire is extensive. The boat repair shop is now a pile of debris, and the roof of Maritime Antiques has collapsed. The Sea Bags Factory Store also suffered damage, with hoses running through the business during the firefighting efforts. Hendricks confirmed that several boats moored near the wharf sustained damage, with one reportedly sinking.
As the evening progressed, the scene shifted from chaos to a quiet investigation site, with firefighters and investigators shuffling their feet to keep warm. The investigation into the cause of the fire will resume on Saturday, as officials from the Office of the State Fire Marshal assess the significant damage.
Custom House Wharf, which houses popular seafood restaurants such as Harbor Fish Market and Boone’s Fish House & Oyster Room, is now left grappling with the aftermath of this destructive blaze.
Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation unfolds and the community begins to recover from this tragic event.
