Boat Fire in the Tongass Narrows Friday Night

Courtesy of the KFD

Ketchikan Fire Department:

At 4:44pm on Friday, October 4th, the Ketchikan Fire Department responded for a reported vessel fire in the Tongass Narrows in the vicinity of Peninsula Point. The fireboat Harry Newell responded with assistance from the USCG, USFS, Good Samaritans and land-based fire apparatus. Upon arrival, units were presented with the vessel Fjord, a 1959, 45’, diesel, Moran Boats Work Cabin Cruiser with significant smoke coming from the vessel. Three occupants and a dog were removed without incident from the vessel then transported to safety by the crew of the Harry Newell. No injuries occurred as a result of this incident.

Suppression efforts were immediately started with a decision made to tow the vessel to a dock in order to allow fire engines and personnel to assist in fire suppression efforts. The fire was extremely stubborn and concentrated between the wooden hull and superstructure of the vessel with fire involvement on the port side between the bow and stern. The utilization of firefighting foam and water were used in conjunction to suppress the fire. All fire department units and personnel cleared the incident at 8:44pm.

Due to the extent of fire, smoke, and water damage, the vessel was deemed uninhabitable. The occupants are being assisted by the American Red Cross for temporary housing and personal items. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the United States Coast Guard.