More than 100 firefighters responded to a catastrophic explosion at the Mattapoisett Boatyard in Massachusetts on Friday afternoon. Due to strong winds coming in off the water, it took crews almost five hours to contain the six-alarm fire.
Mattapoisett Fire Chief Andrew Murray and State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said the fire was caused when gasoline vapors suddenly ignited while a boat’s gas tank was being replaced. One boatyard employee, Phil Macomber, was injured during the explosion. He suffered a broken leg along with burns to his face and neck. Mr. Macomber is currently hospitalized but is expected to survive.
The owners of the Mattapoisett Boatyard said “In all, 20 boats were lost. They are simply gone with only traces of evidence left behind. Nearly 40 vehicles were either totally burned out or significantly damaged.”
Fire Chief Murray went on to say “Our hearts go out to the worker who was badly injured during last week’s fire and the family business that’s been a part of our community for 60 years. On behalf of the Town of Mattapoisett, I also want to recognize the efforts of our firefighters and our brother and sister firefighters and chiefs from across the region who rushed in to help. They defied the danger of a massive, wind-driven fire to prevent it from spreading further into the community and putting more people at risk.”
Officials reveal cause of Mattapoisett boatyard explosion that injured worker
