Fire Damages Boats, Wharf In Portland

A Portland Fire Department marine unit battles flames along the waterfront. Photo/Portland Fire Department.

Firefighters work amid intense flames at the height of the fire. Photo/Portalnd Fire Department.

A fire at the historic Custom House Wharf in Portland, Maine, caused significant damage to several buildings and boats the day after Christmas.

Fire damage and debris line Portland’s Custom House Wharf after the blaze. Photo/Maine State Fire Marshall.

According to officials with the Portland Fire Department, firefighters received a report of a fire at the Custom House Wharf at around 5:30 p.m. on Friday, December 26.

The fire reportedly caused significant damage to several portions of the attached buildings, including storage and maintenance spaces used by fishermen, lobstermen’s trap repair shops, and businesses such as Nanuq Kayaks, Maritime Antiques, and Sea Bags Factory Store.

The fire also damaged several boats tied to the wharf, including one boat that sank.

Fire officials thanked crews from Determination Marine, a marine towing and salvage company in Portland, saying they quickly got to work towing nearby fishing boats from their slips, helping prevent additional damage and protect the livelihoods of local fishermen.

Officials are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire. They have determined there is no indication of foul play. Officials said that due to the extent of the fire damage, it is unlikely that an exact cause will be identified.

The Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association has set up a fundraising page to help support the fishing businesses impacted by the fire. All donations minus processing fees from online platforms will go to support those affected by the fire.

If you would like to donate, visit their fundraiser page at https://conta.cc/4shs1EC.