Crime & Safety
Portland Firefighters Put Out Large Boat Fire, Work to Protect Water
A 40-foot boat exploded early Monday morning, presenting a challenge to put out the fire and protect the waters of Portland Harbor.
PORTLAND, OR — Multiple fireboats were needed to extinguish a fire after a boat burst into flames early Monday morning.
Portland Fire & Rescue said it responded around 3 a.m. to Portland Harbor, where a 40-foot-long boat was engulfed in flames.
Engine 24 arrived first, on land, and started working on the bow of the boat. Fireboat 17 quickly arrived and started working on the stern.
Find out what's happening in Portlandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
They encountered a fuel fire that forced them to use dry chemical extinguishers to completely put out out the fire, the fire bureau said.
Use of the chemicals meant they needed to call in Rescue Boat 80 to spread a boom around the scene to help contain the chemicals from moving through the harbor, according to fire officials.
Find out what's happening in Portlandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A spokesman for the fire bureau said the U.S. Coast Guard and the Clean Rivers Cooperative were informed of the use of chemicals.
The fire bureau said the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
