Submitted by Robert Parlett
Public Information Officer
Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue

Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue which serves the southern portion of Gloucester County was dispatched at 11:23 hrs Sunday December 20th to, York River Yacht Haven on Sarah’s Creek at Gloucester Point, Virginia, for a report of
“…a boat fire at the York River Yacht Haven in the boat house, with other boats in close proximity.” Abingdon responded with 20 firefighters, six apparatus- three pumpers, 2 rescue trucks, a medic and the fire boat, which is housed at the Yacht Haven. The fire was extinguished with the bow-mounted deck gun, AVFR Boat-2 has an onboard 250 GPM fire pump with thru the hull fitting. Boat -2 also has 100′ 0f 1/34″ hose on board, a High-rise pack was brought from the first due engine to supply additional handlines. The burning boat was pushed aground away from any other boats or piers for the final extinguishment and overhaul. After final extinguishment by an interior attack with an 1 3/4″ line the boat was towed to the marina’s lift and removed from the water. The fire was determined to have been caused by an overheated power cord that powered a portable space heater in the engine room. The boat is a 38′ wooden cabin cruiser. The fire was noticed by an employee that smelled smoke and investigated the odor. No estimate of damage is available.