60 gallons of oil, fuel spill into Cumberland County river after Naples boat fire

2022-09-02 19:36:01 By : Ms. Jessie Lee

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NAPLES, Maine — Dozens of gallons of oil and fuel leaked into the Songo River in Naples Tuesday night after a large boat caught fire.

A 35-foot cabin cruiser motor boat caught fire, spreading to jet skis and a nearby dock, which were completely destroyed, according to officials with the Naples Fire Department. 

The owner was reportedly onboard with a bilge pump getting water out of the boat when the fire started.

“On arrival the boat was fully involved,” Naples Fire Chief Justin Cox said. “And we just started fire suppression until the boat sank.”

“[The owner] was trying to operate the boat,” Cox said. “Started the bilge pump and smelled smoke, saw fire and he evacuated.”

After the fire was extinguished, officials determined that about 60 gallons of oil and gas had spilled into the river. 

One neighbor said that the fire was so big, he thought it might have been the woods outside his house.

Chris Garcia said that he heard a pop and then saw a bright glow through his window shades late Tuesday afternoon.

No one was seriously injured in the fire, which is believed to have started due to an electrical issue. 

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection was called to the scene to help contain the spill.