Rock Point Road Marine Vessel Fires

Rock Point Road

Marine Vessel Fires

MOBILE, Ala. – At approximately 14:58 hours on March 7, 2019, Mobile Fire-Rescue Department companies responded to The Grand Mariner Marina in the 6000 block of Rock Point Road for a reported marine vessel fire. Upon arrival on scene, crews confirmed an approximately 25-foot long house boat fully engulfed in flames. The vessel was threatening nearby water crafts and the boat housing.

Fire crews immediately began planning for logistics of equipment and personnel, fire tactics, rescue efforts (if necessary), rehabilitation, and more. Noticing potential difficulty in reaching fires and structures from land and pier, the MFRD Fire Boat was requested to the scene without delay. Over time, flames spread to several other boats and portions of the boat housing. Firefighters battled to protect the housing structure, thus reducing risk of significant damage and potential collapse, while also mitigating loss to boats and other property.

Multiple crews, with assistance from the United States Coast Guard, applied several hundred gallons of water to numerous fires in the area over the span of approximately 7 hours. During operations, aqueous foam was applied to boat fires containing oils, diesel fuel, and other flammable liquids. All fires were adequately extinguished, and units cleared the scene at approximately 22:30 hours.

Cause of Origin Investigators completed an initial assessment of the scene and preliminary investigation. Investigators would spend the next several hours investigating the scene and interviewing witnesses and property owners in order to determine a cause for the destructive blaze. A total of 7 vessels were either damaged or destroyed during the incident. No damage estimates have been provided. The results of the investigation yield an undetermined cause.

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