MATTAPOISETT, Mass. (WPRI) — Numerous boats, more than a dozen vehicles and five buildings were destroyed Friday after a massive fire broke out at Mattapoisett Boatyard.
That’s according to Mattapoisett Fire Chief Andrew Murray, who also said one civilian and three firefighters were hurt.
Murray said they received several 911 calls around 1:20 p.m. about an explosion at the boat yard off Ned’s Point Road. Firefighters arrived to find heavy flames coming from one of the buildings, which were fueled and spread by strong winds coming off the water.
“We had a tremendous amount of fire in the main building, as well as extending to the other surrounding buildings on the property,” Murray said.
WATCH: Video of fire submitted by Dave Horne (story continues below)
Videos obtained by 12 News show a pillar of thick back smoke extending into the sky, which could be seen from miles away.
“We were taking our new puppy out and we saw a huge film of black smoke … really, really dark smoke,” resident Sara Arguin said. “There was an enormous fire and it was just blowing and blowing because obviously, it’s so windy out today.”
Area residents told 12 News that firefighters were spraying down their homes to help make sure the flames didn’t spread to them.
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The principal fire has been extinguished, but Murray said crews will remain on scene throughout the night putting out hot spots to prevent flare-ups.
“We had over 100 firefighters today battling this fire, and I will say everybody did an amazing job,” he added. “We did a very aggressive approach, and I couldn’t be more proud of the staff and our mutual aid partners for what they’ve done today.”
The chief said the state hazmat team was on scene to monitor the atmospheric conditions and air quality, while the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection responded to keep runoff from getting into the water.
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The three firefighters suffered smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion, according to Murray, but the extent of the civilian’s injuries is unclear at this time.
Murray also said the family who owns the boatyard has been in business more than 60 years.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
