A blaze erupted on the historic Old Port waterfront in Portland, Maine, the day after Christmas, tearing through aging buildings and damaging several boats.
The fire swept along Custom House Wharf, a 19th- and 20th-century hub that once powered Portland’s fishing industry but now hosts a variety of seafood restaurants, authorities said.
According to officials, the flames spread quickly through the tightly packed structures, and investigators are still working to determine the cause.
One firefighter sustained minor injuries while battling the blaze, but no other casualties were reported.
Just before 6 p.m. on Friday, the Portland Fire Department posted an “incident notification” on Facebook, urging residents to exercise caution and stay away from the affected area.
First responders had to deploy a fire boat to spray water from the harbor because many of the fire hydrants were frozen, news reports said.
Several boats suffered damage, and at least one sank along the wharf, adding to the waterfront’s loss.
The Porthole Restaurant took to Facebook that Friday to thank the community for its prayers, posting, “Mainers are truly the best kind of people,” it read.
The restaurant also added, “WE ARE SAFE. We want everyone to know that all of our staff, fishermen, and owners are safe,” the Porthole posted.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the fire’s origins while coordinating cleanup efforts with local businesses.
The damage to the historic structures threatens the long-standing character of Old Port, which has long been a center for both maritime commerce and tourism.
Residents and business owners expressed solidarity, with many offering support and resources to those affected.
City officials said they would work with the fire department and preservation groups to assess the damage and plan for repairs.
Key takeaways
- Fire broke out on December 26, 2025, the day after Christmas.
- The blaze damaged historic buildings along Custom House Wharf and sank at least one boat.
- One firefighter was injured; the cause remains under investigation.
- The Porthole Restaurant confirmed that its staff, fishermen, and owners are safe.
As the community rallies to recover, the incident underscores the vulnerability of Portland’s cherished waterfront and the resilience of its residents.
