BREAKING: Rockland Fire Department Working Ferry Boat Fire, 79 Mechanic Street

Photo Credit to Alan Athearn, Rockland Fire & EMS Photographer.

12:06pm Update: Knox Regional Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call from personnel at Rockland Marine on Mechanic Street reporting a fire within a boat that was in dry dock. Workers on scene noticed smoke coming from the hull of a 100’ ferry on one of the dry docks. Upon arrival of the first due companies, Lt. Sullivan noted no visible smoke or flames from the vessel. Upon further investigation they found some small hand tools and a canvas bag on fire. Roughly 100 gallons of water was used to extinguish the fire but access to fire area was limited due to navigating through small access holes and hatches. Once the fire was extinguished and no further extension was found, fans were placed near fresh air openings and the smoke was evacuated. Air monitoring was also completed to check for any remaining carbon monoxide or other hazardous gasses were not lingering in the area. No reports of injuries were noted and the boat was turned back over to the boat yard.

Any factors contributing to, or hindering the success of the operation:

First and foremost, the quick notification to 9-1-1 prevented the fire from spreading to other pieces of equipment inside the boat.

The limited access to the area of origin made for slower extinguishment but crews worked with boat yard workers to gain the best possible access.

Apparatus Assigned: Rockland Tower 3, Rockland Squad 3, Rockland Engine 1, Rockland Rescue 2, and Rockland Car 1

Cause: Sparks secondary to welding

7:37am Update: Crews reporting fire out, checking for extension and clearing smoke.
BREAKING: Rockland, Maine - The Rockland Fire Department is working an active ferry boat fire in the hull, one handline working, on Tuesday, April 30th, 2019.