07/04/2026
Boat Fire overview– Bass Harbor | July 3rd &4th 2026
TFD was alerted to reports of a fire in the area of Thurston's Wharf/Thurston Road at approximately 10:30 p.m. on July 3rd. Updated 911 information indicated the fire was actually aboard a commercial lobster boat moored in Bass Harbor.
Members responded to the Tremont Town Dock on Rice Road in Bernard and Thurlow’s Wharf on Shore Road in Bass Harbor to stage for operations.
Upon arrival, FD Incident Command determined the fire was rapidly spreading from the stern and had quickly consumed the pilothouse, resulting in the fuel and hydraulic tanks violently rupturing. As a precaution, a 2½-inch hose line and ground monitor were deployed from Engine 4 to the outermost section of the nearest finger float to protect against floating debris and burning embers. A light westerly wind carried a thick plume of black smoke toward homes and businesses along Shore Road and Little Island Way but no damage was documented.
Two private skiffs, staffed by firefighters and local wharf owners, were launched from opposite sides of the harbor to assess exposures to nearby commercial fishing vessels. Thermal imaging cameras recorded hull temperatures exceeding 1,200 degrees on the 36-foot H&H fiberglass vessel.
Fortunately, crews from the U.S. Coast Guard Station Southwest Harbor and the Maine Marine Patrol were already staffed when the notification was received and arrived on scene in an impressive time of less than 20 minutes. Considering the approximately eight nautical miles from Southwest Harbor to Bass Harbor, their rapid response was exceptional.
The U.S. Coast Guard quickly engaged the fire from the bow of their 16 ton Motor Life Boat using onboard firefighting equipment after first completing an assessment of nearby vessels, hazards, and potential environmental impacts. A two peorson crew aboard Maine Marine Patrol's 46-foot Wesmac Super Wide patrol vessels illuminated the scene with its powerful light-tower while assisting with vessel safety and repositioning efforts.
As firefighting operations continued, several nearby commercial fishing vessels were removed from adjacent moorings and relocated to open dock space at the town dock. Once the burning mooring H&H’s pendant burned through, the situation became more challenging, as the water being applied to the fire also pushed the burning hull away from the established safety perimeter.
The U.S. Coast Guard captain and crew demonstrated exceptional boat-handling skills, using both the force of the fire stream and careful bow positioning to keep the untethered, burning hull stationary and away from surrounding boats.
With indications that it would soon sink, the smoldering water logged hull was grappled and carefully pushed/towed by the two skiffs into the shallow cove adjacent to the Tremont Town Dock. Environmental containment measures, including absorbent booms and pads, were immediately deployed to capture any fuel or debris. Additional floating absorbent booms were generously provided by Thurston's Wharf and SWHBR Fire Department.
A response team from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection arrived early the following morning to assist with cleanup efforts. Crews removed the remaining fuel from the vessel's tanks and replenished the hazardous materials containment supplies used during the incident. DEP was assisted by Clean Harbors throughout the cleanup operation. The Maine Department of Marine Resources also assessed the water quality in and around the harbors live lobster holding areas and found no immediate concerns.
Special Thanks
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the many individuals and agencies who assisted TFD during this emergency. The teamwork, professionalism, and willingness to help were truly outstanding.
We'd also like to recognize the incredible outpouring of support shown to the FV’s captain and his family. It serves as a reminder of the strength, compassion, and resilience of our hardworking fishing community. In difficult times, our community always comes together, and that support means more than words can express.
Membership Plug
The early morning events of July 4th were a remarkable demonstration of what makes our community so special. Community members, the commercial fishing fleet—both young and old—and local business owners all came together to help in whatever way they could.
The level of situational awareness, problem-solving, compassion, and teamwork on display was exceptional. Everyone understood that achieving a common goal required working together while keeping the safety of others as the highest priority.
These are the same qualities that define a successful volunteer firefighter. If you take pride in serving your community, working as part of a team, and helping others when needed, we encourage you to consider becoming a member of the Tremont Fire Department or you local emergency service department.
