A fast-moving fire tore through Portland’s historic Old Port, complicating firefighting efforts and damaging multiple buildings and boats

By Leah Willingham
Associated Press

PORTLAND, Maine — A fire tore through the historic Old Port waterfront in Portland, Maine, the day after Christmas, damaging aging buildings and several boats.

Flames and smoke spread easily through structures along the Custom House Wharf, a 19th- and 20th-century hub for Portland’s fishing industry that now includes seafood restaurants, authorities said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. One firefighter sustained minor injuries.

| MORE: You may not have resources, but you always have command

The Portland Fire Department posted an “incident notification” on Facebook just before 6 p.m. on Friday warning residents to use caution and avoid the area. First responders deployed a fire boat to spray water from the harbor to help douse the flames due to issues caused by frozen fire hydrants, according to news reports. Several boats were damaged, and at least one sank along the wharf.

The Porthole Restaurant posted on Facebook Friday thanking the community for its prayers: “Mainers are truly the best kind of people,” it read.

“WE ARE SAFE. We want everyone to know that all of our staff, fishermen, and owners are safe,” the Porthole posted.

Musk and other critics attacked Mamdani’s selection of EMS veteran Lillian Bonsignore to lead the department, reigniting debate over what operational experience matters most for the commissioner role

December 29, 2025 10:31 AM

Vote now: Should a commissioner be a firefighter, an EMS leader, an executive — or a mix?

December 29, 2025 04:16 PM

 · 

The GHSA-Waymo online course covers extrication, vehicle shutdowns and safe interaction with autonomous cars during emergencies

December 28, 2025 08:00 AM

 · 

A multi-department merger forming the South Madison Fire Territory will take effect Jan. 1, adding full-time staffing, hiring dozens of firefighters and medics

December 28, 2025 12:00 PM

Reauthorization will ensure public safety’s voice in guiding the evolution of emergency communications

December 10, 2025 04:16 PM