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Investigation Continues After Three-Alarm Fire Guts Portland’s Custom House Wharf

Investigators say there is no sign of foul play, with the cause unlikely to be identified because of extensive damage.

Overview

  • Officials from the Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office and Portland Fire Department remained at 25–27 Custom House Wharf to collect evidence and interview witnesses.
  • Multiple businesses were destroyed or heavily damaged, including Maritime Antiques, Nanuq Kayaks and a repair shop, and the Sea Bags Factory Store sustained structural damage.
  • Several boats were damaged along the wharf, and at least one vessel sank during the blaze.
  • Crews controlled the fire in about two hours after it broke out around 5:30 p.m., relying on a fireboat when hydrants froze and receiving mutual aid from nearby departments.
  • Two firefighters suffered minor injuries, no civilian injuries were reported, Harbor Fish Market has reopened, and a fundraiser is supporting affected fishing operations.