At a Glance
- A blaze tore through Portland’s historic Old Port waterfront on December 26.
- The fire damaged aging buildings, several boats, and caused one to sink.
- First responders used a fire boat because hydrants were frozen.
- Why it matters: Residents and businesses in the Old Port face loss and uncertainty as the cause remains unknown.
A fire erupted on the Custom House Wharf in Portland’s Old Port waterfront the day after Christmas, setting fire to historic structures and several boats. The blaze spread quickly through the 19th- and 20th-century fishing hub, leaving the cause under investigation.
Firefighting Efforts
The Portland Fire Department posted an incident notification on Facebook before 6 p.m. on Friday, urging residents to stay clear of the area. Responders deployed a fire boat to spray water from the harbor, as frozen fire hydrants prevented conventional water lines from working.
- Damaged structures and vessels:
- Aging buildings
- Several boats
- One boat sank
Community Response
The Porthole Restaurant posted on Facebook thanking the community for its prayers.
Porthole Restaurant stated:
> “Mainers are truly the best kind of people.”
Porthole Restaurant added:
> “WE ARE SAFE. We want everyone to know that all of our staff, fishermen, and owners are safe.”
Key Takeaways
- The blaze occurred on December 26, affecting historic waterfront.
- Firefighters used a fire boat due to frozen hydrants.
- The cause remains under investigation.
The incident underscores the vulnerability of historic waterfronts to fire and the importance of rapid response measures.
