US EditionFire in Old Port of Portland, Maine, damages its historic waterfront and sinks at least 1 boat
A three-alarm fire at Custom House Wharf damaged or destroyed multiple businesses and sank at least one boat, with crews controlling it in about two hours, officials said.
- On Friday, a three-alarm fire tore through Custom House Wharf in Portland, Maine, starting around 5:30 p.m., damaging multiple Old Port waterfront businesses and sinking at least one boat.
- Bitter cold and frozen hydrants forced crews to use fireboats drawing water from the harbor, and officials say the buildings' age and wooden construction helped the fire spread rapidly while the Office of the State Fire Marshal investigates.
- Owners reported heavy losses to gear and tools, with 15 lobstermen losing traps worth about $200 each, and officials say Maritime Antiques, Nanuq Kayaks, and a repair shop were total losses.
- Two firefighters sustained minor injuries without hospital transport, the Portland Fire Department posted an incident notification urging caution, and The Porthole Restaurant, Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room, Andy's Old Port Pub and Solo Italiano closed Friday while Harbor Fish Market stayed closed Saturday.
- Neighbors and businesses stepped up with meals, warm space and other aid while John Jabar, owner of Custom House Wharf and The Porthole Restaurant, plans to rebuild four destroyed businesses once investigators finish.
59 Articles
59 Articles
Historic Maine Wharf Fire Engulfs Portland Waterfront
Fire crews raced Friday evening to contain a massive fire that erupted at the historic Custom House Wharf in Portland, Maine, a popular part of the Old Port waterfront filled with restaurants, shops, and working fishing vessels. The blaze destroyed at least one building, damaged others, and sank a boat as firefighters worked through difficult winter conditions to control the flames. The fire broke out shortly after 5 p.m. Friday, spreading quick…
Wharf businesses grapple with fire's aftermath on Portland waterfront
WGME CBS 13 provides news, sports, weather and local event coverage in the Portland, Maine area including Lewiston, Augusta, Brunswick, Westbrook, Biddeford, Saco, Sanford, South Portland, Kennebunk, Bangor, Freeport, Buxton, Windham, Auburn, Waterville, Scarborough, Gorham, Yarmouth, Standish, Falmouth, Poland, Rockland, Bath.
Lewiston Sun Journal
Portland waterfront fire ravages 4 businesses
'We're not going to do anything but rebuild what was here,' wharf co-owner John Jabar said.
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