Martha’s Vineyard Station Fire Cause Still Unknown

July 15, 2010

Massachusetts State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan says a massive blaze that destroyed a U.S. Coast Guard boathouse, pier and several private boats on Martha’s Vineyard remains under investigation by state and federal authorities.

Coan said Tuesday that an investigative team is asking anyone with early-stage photos of the fire or other information to contact the state fire marshal’s office.

Authorities say a blaze began Monday afternoon and quickly engulfed the boathouse and pier as well as a truck and trailer for the 25-foot Coast Guard boat that was in Woods Hole at the time of the fire.

The station’s 47-foot boat evacuated the pier just before it became engulfed in flames.

Coan said the blaze appears to have began in the Coast Guard boathouse, but there was no immediate word on cause or damage estimate.