NK Crews Respond to Weekend Boat Fire

On Saturday night during a lightning storm and torrential rain, North Kingstown Fire crews responded to a reported boat fire at Wickford Shipyard on Steamboat Avenue.

Upon arrival, responders noted flames coming from a large boat that was docked in the water. According to Deputy Chief Robert Giglietti, because the fire occurred offshore, NK Fire did not have enough emergency personnel on duty to staff both the department's engines and boat, and was therefore assisted by apparatus from Warwick, East Greenwich, Portsmouth and the Castle Hill Coast Guard Station.

While it was still on fire, crews pulled the boat from the water onto the shore where they worked to extinguish the blaze from the docks. Dept. Chief Giglietti described the incident as routine, but said that weather conditions made the situation more difficult for fire crews.

The 45-foot vessel, described as a 1978 cabin cruiser, was unoccupied at the time of the blaze, but suffered severe damage in the cabin area. No injuries were reported.

The State Fire Marshal has investigated the incident, however the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time.