Portland Fire responded to an early morning two alarm fire at Boone's Restaurant on Custom House Wharf

Portland Maine – While investigating a fire alarm at a local restaurant firefighters from Engine 5 and Ladder 1 discovered a fire in the walls surrounding a chimney in Boone's Fish House Oyster Room.   The alarm sounded a shortly after 4:00AM.

 “When fire crews entered the business they discovered smoke and immediately called for more help.” said Portland Fire Chief Jerome LaMoria.  Firefighters extinguished the difficult to access fire after a second alarm was requested.  LaMoria continued “Firefighters on the scene eventually discovered the source of the smoke in the facade surrounding the chimney and fireplace.  Unfortunately, we had to completely remove the facade to the fireplace to extinguish the fire, The good news is this fire could have been much worse, had it not been for the functioning fire alarm system, it worked exactly as it should have.”

Preliminary damage estimates are approximately $50,000.  The business was empty when firefighters arrived and there are no reported injuries.

Portland health inspectors were called to the scene, which is routine after a fire in a restaurant, to ensure food safety.  Fire crews and investigators left the scene around 7:45AM