Boat Fire Causes Major Damage In Newport Beach

NEWPORT BEACH, CA— A docked boat caught fire Friday morning, sending flames to nearby boats and pushing a column of smoke into the sky that could be seen for miles.

Approximately 24 firefighters and emergency officials responded to the fire, including the Orange County Sheriff's Department Harbor Patrol.

Officials arrived at the scene at approximately 10:30 a.m. where multiple boats were fully aflame near the Galley Restaurant, Newport Beach Firefighters Battalion Chief Nic Lucas told Patch.

It took approximately five minutes to extinguish the blaze.

Maintenance workers were at the dock at the time of the fire, and one person sustained minor injuries as they attempted, unsuccessfully, to put out the fire, Lucas said.

There was major damage to the vessel. However, it is not yet known if the boat was a total loss.

Boats docked in that area range could range in value from $150,000 to $300,000, Lucas said.

As of this report, there was no known cause, and the exact amount of damages has not yet been released.

Patch reader Theresa Hollowell alerted us to the incident on the Newport Beach Patch Neighbor Page.