Two boats were destroyed after catching on fire at a marina in New London early Friday morning.
Firefighters responded to a reported boat fire at Burr’s Marina, located at 244 Pequot Avenue in New London, around 5:01 a.m. on Friday morning, according to the New London Fire Department.
Firefighters arrived at the marina and found two boats moored approximately 300 feet down the marina’s main pier that were heavily engulfed in flames, fire officials said. Two other vessels had exposure damage from the radiant heat.
Firefighters deployed multiple hose lines from the pier and quickly knocked down most of the fire. During the incident, fire officials said the stern lines of one of the burning boats failed, allowing it to drift from the pier while remaining secured by its bow lines. “As the vessel moved away from the dock, access to the fire below deck became increasingly difficult,” fire officials said.
According to fire officials, the main pier also sustained fire damage as a result of the fire.
Fire boats from the Groton Long Point Fire Department and Goshen Fire Department responded to assist. Fire officials said they were able to position themselves alongside the vessel, allowing crews to extinguish the remaining fire in areas unreachable from the pier.
Fire officials said there were not reported injuries.
Two of the four vessels sustained extensive fire damage. One vessel was removed from the water by marina personnel to prevent it from sinking.
According to New London Fire Chief Vernon Skau, the fire department’s extensive prefire planning at the city’s marinas played “a significant role in the successful outcome of the incident.”
“Firefighters were familiar with the marina layout, hydrant locations and hose deployment requirements, allowing crews to quickly stretch the appropriate hose lines and place them into service,” Skau said. “Utilizing all on-duty personnel, firefighters were able to contain the fire and prevent it from extending to numerous nearby vessels.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the New London Fire Department’s Fire Investigation Team in coordination with investigators from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
“This incident marks the latest in what has been an exceptionally busy 24-hour period for the New London Fire Department, during which firefighters have responded to multiple significant emergencies throughout the city,” said Skau.
“I cannot express enough appreciation for the dedication and professionalism our firefighters have demonstrated over the past 24 hours,” Skau added. “Their training, teamwork, and commitment to protecting our city were on full display
during this incident. The City of New London is truly fortunate to have the outstanding men and women who serve in this department.”