LADY IRENE

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Fire damaged two fishing vessels and pier

On April 3, 2025, at 5.36 a.m. the 'Lady Irene' caught fire in Cape Cod Bay while berthed at the Wellfleet Marina, Massachusetts. The fire started on the fishing vessel and quickly spread to the supporting structure on the pier. It continued to spread to a second fishing vessel when the Wellfleet fire department arrived on the scene. Firefighting operations commenced from the pier, as access to the fishing vessel was significantly constrained. Additional assistance was requested from the Truro, Eastham, Orleans, and Harwich fire departments, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard The Wellfleet Shellfish Warden, Harbormaster, and the Department of Public Works provided essential logistical support. The firefighters successfully brought the fire on the fishing vessel under control; however, they continued to manage persistent hotspots. Attention then shifted to the pier, where extinguishing the fire proved particularly challenging due to its construction materials and limited accessibility. The crews were able to knock the fire down at 10 a.m. The utilization of vessels from the Harbormaster and the U.S. Coast Guard facilitated the firefighting efforts, with hoses connected to fire trucks. As a precautionary measure, the Barnstable County Dive Team was requested and placed on standby, along with the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services' Rehab truck, to ensure firefighter safety. Furthermore, hazardous material booms were deployed around the entire pier to contain potential contaminants and safeguard the shellfish grants.Both the 'Lady Irene' and the second vessel suffered significant damage to the hull and superstructure, but remained afloat. Notification has been made to the State Fire Marshal, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), all of whom have been requested to attend the scene for the purpose of investigation. A determination regarding the cause of the fire has yet to be established, as the investigation conducted by the Fire Marshal was ongoing. Reports with photos: https://eu.capecodtimes.com/story/news/fire/2025/04/03/firefighters-wellfleet-town-pier/82790061007/ https://eu.capecodtimes.com/picture-gallery/news/2025/04/03/early-morning-fishing-boat-fire-wellfleet-town-pier/82794658007/