BREAKING NEWS: Rockland, Mutual Aid Fire Departments Responding To 9 Wharf Street

Friday Morning 8:12am Update: Rockland Fire was dispatched to a reported structure fire and explosion at 9 Wharf Street with at least one badly injured civilian.  Upon arrival of the first due companies, light smoke was reported from a large metal frame garage and obvious injuries to multiple people.  The Duty Officer requested two more ambulances to treat the wounded while also working to confine any fire still burning.  Three patients were transported to Penobscot Bay Medical Center in Rockport with one patient requiring Life Flight to an appropriate burn center.  Crews found multiple small debris fires still burning and were able to use fire extinguishers to put out the flames.

Due to the injuries, the State Fire Marshal’s Office was called to investigate along with Rockland Fire and Rockland Police.  The cause of the explosion and subsequent fire was due to grinding materials in close proximity to an empty 55 gallon barrel of Acetone. 

Late notification of the explosion and injuries occurred due to an attempt to extinguish the fire with a garden hose and fire extinguisher.  We highly recommend notification as soon as possible and do not recommend extinguishing the fire unless it is necessary to exit the building.  With the size of the building, the fire load that was present, and the extent of injuries, early notification is paramount to everyone’s safety and wellbeing 

Responding to the call:

Rockland Tower 3 Rockport Engine 23
Rockland Squad 3 Rockport Engine 22
Rockland Engine 1

Camden Ladder 1 for RIT 

Rockland Rescue 1, 2, and 3


North East Mobile Health

UPDATE 10:55pm: All Camden and Rockport fire units are clear an back in quarters. Rockland fire units remain on scene.
UPDATE 10:35pm: Rockland EMS transported a third, non-emergency. Northeast cleared.
UPDATE 10:18pm: Second patient is being transported non-emergency. Third ambulance responded. Northeast toned out to cover Rockland station.
UPDATE 10:13pm: One patient is being transported emergency status.
BREAKING NEWS: Rockland, Maine - Rockland, mutual aid fire departments are responding to 9 Wharf Street for some kind of explosion on Thursday, September 28th, 2017.

Two patients with burns.

Light smoke showing.