Historic Waterfront in Portland, Maine, Affected by Fire Damage

A devastating fire broke out in the historic Old Port waterfront area of Portland, Maine, on December 26, the day after Christmas. This incident has left a mark on the community, damaging several aging buildings and boats that are part of the area’s rich maritime history.

The flames and smoke quickly spread through the structures along Custom House Wharf, a site that dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries and was once a bustling hub for Portland’s fishing industry. Today, it is home to various seafood restaurants and shops. As of now, the cause of the fire remains under investigation, although it has been reported that one firefighter sustained minor injuries while battling the blaze.

In response to the emergency, the Portland Fire Department issued an “incident notification” on Facebook shortly before 6 p.m. on Friday, urging residents to exercise caution and avoid the affected area. Compounding the challenges faced by first responders, frozen fire hydrants hindered their efforts. To combat the flames effectively, a fire boat was deployed to spray water from the harbor, showcasing the community’s resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

As the fire raged on, several boats were damaged, with at least one sinking along the wharf. The Porthole Restaurant, a local establishment, took to Facebook to express gratitude for the community’s support during this difficult time. “Mainers are truly the best kind of people,” the post read, emphasizing the strong sense of community that characterizes the region.

In a reassuring message, the Porthole also stated, “WE ARE SAFE. We want everyone to know that all of our staff, fishermen, and owners are safe.” This sentiment reflects the resilience of the local businesses and their commitment to the safety of their employees and patrons.

Photo: Firefighters battle a three-alarm fire on the historic Old Port waterfront late Friday, Dec. 27, 2025 in Portland, Maine. (Libby Kamrowski Kenny/Portland Press Herald via AP)

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

A devastating fire broke out in the historic Old Port waterfront area of Portland, Maine, on December 26, the day after Christmas. This incident has left a mark on the community, damaging several aging buildings and boats that are part of the area’s rich maritime history.

The flames and smoke quickly spread through the structures along Custom House Wharf, a site that dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries and was once a bustling hub for Portland’s fishing industry. Today, it is home to various seafood restaurants and shops. As of now, the cause of the fire remains under investigation, although it has been reported that one firefighter sustained minor injuries while battling the blaze.

In response to the emergency, the Portland Fire Department issued an “incident notification” on Facebook shortly before 6 p.m. on Friday, urging residents to exercise caution and avoid the affected area. Compounding the challenges faced by first responders, frozen fire hydrants hindered their efforts. To combat the flames effectively, a fire boat was deployed to spray water from the harbor, showcasing the community’s resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

As the fire raged on, several boats were damaged, with at least one sinking along the wharf. The Porthole Restaurant, a local establishment, took to Facebook to express gratitude for the community’s support during this difficult time. “Mainers are truly the best kind of people,” the post read, emphasizing the strong sense of community that characterizes the region.

In a reassuring message, the Porthole also stated, “WE ARE SAFE. We want everyone to know that all of our staff, fishermen, and owners are safe.” This sentiment reflects the resilience of the local businesses and their commitment to the safety of their employees and patrons.

Photo: Firefighters battle a three-alarm fire on the historic Old Port waterfront late Friday, Dec. 27, 2025 in Portland, Maine. (Libby Kamrowski Kenny/Portland Press Herald via AP)

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.