Local fire agencies continue to fight a barge fire on the Delaware Bay that has kept them busy since they first responded with the Coast Guard around 1 a.m. Monday.
Crews at the Sector Delaware Bay Command Center received a call early Monday morning reporting the fire about nine miles south of Port Mahon, according to a Coast Guard news release.
The Coast Guard launched a 29-foot Response Boat Small-boat crew to assist and monitor the incident. There were six fire boats on scene from local fire agencies actively fighting the fire as of 8 a.m.
The barge was reportedly carrying household appliances for scrap, according to the release.
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“Our highest priority is ensuring the safety of firefighters and response personnel on scene,” said Capt. Jonathan Theel, Sector Delaware Bay Captain of the Port. “We will also work to mitigate any environmental threats and protect the flow of commerce within this vital port.”
There are no injuries and no evidence of pollution impacting the waterway. The cause of the fire is not known at this time, the Coast Guard said.
The Coast Guard requests that all mariners avoid the area of the fire.
Emily Lytle covers Sussex County from the inland towns to the beaches. Got a story she should tell? Contact her at elytle@delmarvanow.com or 302-332-0370. Follow her on Twitter at @emily3lytle.
