Firefighters Battle Prudence Island Fire, Iced Over Marina

Photo: The Portsmouth Marine Unit in the marina as of 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. The marina was frozen around the boat and out to the entrance of the marina Monday night.

Firefighters extinguished a fire on Holbrook Road on Prudence Island Monday night, battling both flames and the severe winter conditions. Nobody was hurt.

Firefighters got a call reporting the fire at 5:12 p.m. and the Prudence Island Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the scene. One engine, Engine 82, arrived four minutes later.

Meanwhile, a crew of seven firefighters from Portsmouth went to the island and was nearly stranded at the East Passage Yachting Center because the marina was iced over.

Firefighters donned survival suits and “were able to break through the ice to the open water of the bay,” said Michael P. O’Brien, Portsmouth’s deputy fire chief. The U.S. Coast Guard was dispatched to provide additional transport of firefighters, if needed. Portsmouth also requested aid from the Bristol Fire Department, which responded via the Prudence Island Ferry with 12 responders.

Prudence firefighters were able to extinguish the fire after gaining entry to the home, just as Portsmouth firefighters arrived. A request to Bristol’s fire department was cancelled, and Portsmouth helped with overhaul and ventilation.

As crews worked the scene, Naval Station Newport provided coverage to the town of Portsmouth.

“The Portsmouth Fire Department would, once again, like to commend the outside agencies that provided assistance to our town during this incident. Conditions were challenging and your efforts are greatly appreciated,” O’Brien said. “The Portsmouth Fire Department would also like to recognize the efforts of firefighters from Prudence Island Volunteer Fire Department and Portsmouth Fire Department. These firefighters overcame significant obstacles to carry out their mission.”

The house was damaged but is repairable, O’Brien said. The last units left the scene at 7:30 p.m.