CHICAGO (TBEN) — A fire Wednesday at Pier 11 Marina on the city’s Far South Side caused serious damage to at least four boats.
As TBEN 2’s Andrew Ramos reported, crews spent hours putting out flames that officials on the ground now say caused hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage.
We’re told that those damages will likely total more than $1.1 million.
It was around 10 a.m. when crews from the Chicago and Dolton Fire Departments headed to the marina at 826 E. 138th St. — along the Little Calumet River on the city’s southern border. Firefighters found three burning boats.
When firefighters tried to extinguish the flames, the fire spread to a fourth boat.
For hours, firefighters tried to contain the fire, which was concentrated in one of the boats. The fire was finally extinguished around 2 p.m.
Those on the scene told us the fire started when a recreational boat owner was trying to winterize his boat.
As described, winterizing involves placing a plastic cover over the boat that is heat sealed. That owner, we heard, was using a propane tank and at one point his boat caught fire.
That fire eventually spread to the other boats.
Among the casualties was a historic vessel used in tours of the Chicago River owned and operated by Chicago First Lady Cruises and its sister line, Mercury Cruises.
The family business that has been active for four generations. The current president of the Mercury described it as a dark day for the family.
“She was a mainstay on the water for a number of years, you know. For the longest time, we were one of only two operators on the Chicago River with this particular vessel,” Tim Agra said, “So we’ll have to see if they’re too save or not, but you know, it’s a tough day for us.”
Dolton Fire Chief Pete McCain reminded those trying to winterize their boats that they need proper training to do so.
“You have to be very careful and make sure you’re up to date and have the knowledge to do it correctly,” McCain said.
Despite the enormous damage caused, no major injuries were reported.
One person who helped put out the fire suffered minor burns. He refused treatment at the scene.
