Officials in Maine said they are still investigating a fire that erupted in Portland’s historic waterfront Friday night, but they’ve found “no indication of foul play.”
The Maine State Fire Marshal’s Office and Portland Fire Department are looking into caused the blaze at Custom House Wharf, although they said they may never figure out what happened.
“Due to the extent of the fire damage, it is unlikely that an exact cause will be identified,” a statement from the fire marshal’s said.
The three-alarm fire severely damaged several fishing and retail operations, including fisherman’s storage and maintenance spaces, lobster trap repairs shops, a kayak business, and an antique store.
Firefighters initially responded to the fire around 5:30 p.m. the day after Christmas and arrived on the scene to see lots of smoke and multiple buildings on fire.
It took two hours, all of Portland’s crews, their fireboat, and aid from two other departments to get the fire under control.
Two firefighters were hurt Friday night, according to the department, but did not need to be transported to a hospital. No civilian injuries were reported.
To help those who have been impacted by the fire, the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association has started a fundraiser.
“Fishermen and fishing businesses suffered extensive losses,” the association said. “Already, the community is rallying to help.”
