On Friday, January 6, 1989 at 0242, Cecil County, Maryland fire head-quarters received a call from a resident located three-quarters of a mile across the river from the Bohemia Bay Marina. The caller thought he could see a fire at a marina around Bohemia Bay, but due to poor visibility caused by snowfall as well as the distance and time of night, he could not be certain as to its exact location. The fire dispatcher immediately contacted the state police.
The nearest officer was 18 miles from the marina and took 45 minutes to locate the fire, where he discovered at least 10 boats on fire. At 0327, he requested fire apparatus.
The first fire units arrived at 0349, approximately 67 minutes after first notification, and found 15 boats on fire. Several had broken loose from their moorings and drifted into other boats. Fuel from boats was burning on top of the water and flames were fanned by a six knot wind.
The first arriving units were unable to find a suitable area for drafting water and finally resorted to portable pumps and fire department tankers from neighboring jurisdictions.
The fire was under control in approximately two and one-half hours after totally destroying 16 boats, severely damaging three boats, and causing lighter damage to an additional 100 boats.
Damage was estimated at $10 million. There were no deaths or injuries.
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