Fire Breaks Out at Historic Pier in Portland, Maine

Firefighters worked late into Friday night to control a significant fire that erupted at Custom House Wharf in Portland, Maine.

The blaze resulted in the complete destruction of one building, with others in the vicinity also sustaining damage, as reported by local news outlets.

Historically, Portland’s Old Port served as a bustling commercial fishing hub throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it has transformed into a vibrant tourist spot, featuring an assortment of restaurants and shops. Interestingly, local fishermen still dock their boats there.

Deputy Fire Chief John Hendricks shared that when emergency crews arrived, the situation looked grave. However, he commended the initial responders for their swift and aggressive actions, which helped prevent the fire from spreading further along the pier.

Meanwhile, Porthole Restaurant & Pub, located on the pier, announced that it had managed to escape the flames. They encouraged patrons to gather at their establishment, expressing concern for those affected by the devastating event. Their message included appreciation for the bravery of first responders and neighbors.

Maine Governor Janet Mills took to social media to confirm she was keeping an eye on the situation, advising the public to stay clear of the area and to heed local officials’ directives.

The fire ignited shortly after 5 p.m. and was extinguished by around 7:22 p.m., according to reports. There were reports of a boat sinking and other vessels being damaged as a result of the incident.

In the midst of the chaos, two firefighters sustained minor injuries but did not require hospitalization. At this point, the cause of the fire remains under investigation.