TACOMA, Wash. — Firefighters responded to a large fire in Tacoma Wednesday night aboard a fish processing vessel. The Aleutian Falcon is now considered a total loss.
The Tacoma Fire Department responded to the fire on the 230-foot vessel at the Port of Tacoma after 10 p.m. Wednesday.
Crews got the fire under control around 5:15 a.m. Thursday. Around 12:30 p.m., some spots were still burning and crews were working to assure the vessel wouldn't sink. As of 5 p.m., the vessel was dewatered to prevent sinking and crews continue to monitor active flames deep in the hull.
A boom is in place around the large vessel to contain any diesel, ammonia and fire retardant from spreading and polluting Puget Sound. Air quality was also a concern as plumes of smoke poured from the vessel for hours overnight.
In a statement, Trident Seafoods said the Aleutian Falcon is moored at the company's Tacoma facility on Pier 12 between its time in Alaska supporting salmon fisheries. The company said the Aleutian Falcon was a total loss.
Tacoma Fireboat Destiny, West Pierce Fireboat Endeavor and several other fireboats attacked the fire from the water and were able to contain the blaze to the original vessel.
“We are grateful to the Tacoma Fire Department for their swift response and watch on scene, and that no one was injured,” said Trident CEO Joe Bundrant. “We will conduct a full investigation of cause.”
Large flames and plumes of smoke could be seen from State Route 509. On Wednesday night, Tacoma fire said any residents impacted by the smoke should shelter in place. That advisory was lifted around 1 p.m. Thursday.
Fire officials said they were concerned about the 48,000 gallons of diesel fuel aboard. Nearly 10,000 pounds of ammonia were also reported near the stern of the vessel.
At one point in the night, there was concern about an oil barge nearby.
Tacoma fire requested assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Ecology. The Coast Guard is monitoring for potential pollution and extended a safety zone to 1,500 yards overnight.
No injuries have been reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
