Boat Fire Seen From Miles, Deemed 'Suspicious'

Portsmouth firefighters battled a boat fire Sunday evening in the area of Cedar and Marine Avenues. No injuries were reported. 

Firefighters were called at 6:01 p.m. to an “outside fire." When crews arrived, they discovered a 16’ skiff completely engulfed in flames.

"The fire gave off heavy black smoke that was visible from miles away," according to Deputy Chief Michael O'Brien, spokesman for the department.

Dispatchers for the Portsmouth Fire Department received multiple 911 calls, some as far away as McCorrie Point. 

According to O'Brien, the boat washed up on shore. The vessel appeared to be abandoned, he said. 

The fire has been deemed suspicious, and is being investigated by the Rhode Island Fire Marshal’s Office and Portsmouth Police Department.

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