Fire at The Dalles Marina Destroys 8 Boathouses, SSS Freedom Flagship Survives

Several boathouses caught fire at The Dalles Marina in the early 4th of July morning.

The State Fire Marshall, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and cleanup contractors responded to the scene.

Several boathouses were lost.

The dock was home to many boats, including the flagship of the SSS Freedom #399, which is a co-ed Sea Scout program for teens. The Sea Scout program is youth led, and focuses on teaching scouts team work, leadership, communication skills and water safety and maritime skills.

“The dock we called home burned to the water last night taking 8 boat houses and most of the moored boats with it,” SSS Freedom #399 announced on their facebook today.

The Dalles Marina before the fire. The eight boathouses pictured on the left were all devastated by the fire. Source.

However, thanks to the quick thinking of Greg Cummings and neighbors at least four boats were saved.

Including the Sea Scouts ‘Pathfinder’ flagship boat.

SSS Freedom gave special thanks to the neighbors who helped save their boats,

“Thank you Greg Cummings and neighbors for helping to save lives and 4 boats, including the Pathfinder,” read their post. They said that initially it appeared only small damages had occurred to the ship but that they would need to inspect the Pathfinder thoroughly before they know the true extent of the damage.

Gregg Weast, President of the Port of The Dalles Commission said that 4 boats were likely either destroyed or sank and that divers would assess the sunken boats and recommend a course of action.

There was much speculation amongst the The Dalles community as to whether the fire was caused by fireworks, electrical issues, or something else. But at this time no hard facts are known as to the cause of the fire.

To donate to help the SSS Freedom #399 you can donate here.

Firefighters work to mop up the fire.