Fire on the Historic Fleetwood, May 29

CBFD release – At approximately 10:40 pm on the evening of May 27th, two Coos Bay Fire Engines (a Rescue and a Squad) and the Fire Chief responded to a fire in a large free-standing wooden boat at 170 S. Empire Blvd. Upon arrival, firefighters found the upper portion of boat (cabin) consumed with flames which were threatening an adjacent building. Firefighters were able to quickly knock down the flames, and they used a ladder to gain access to the main deck. Firefighters remained on scene until 12:45 am to insure the fire was extinguished. Firefighters returned a couple of hours later to put out another fire, and this time it was in the hull of the boat. No other adjacent buildings received damage from the blaze. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation. According to a 2015 article in the World Newspaper, the wooden boat was originally named the “Fleetwood”, and it was used to transport mail from Astoria to Portland. In recent years, the dry-docked vessel had been used as a restaurant and as a clubhouse. The Fleetwood had fallen into disrepair, and it was currently an unused structure. The Fleetwood and adjacent property are owned by JAG Capitol LCC of Myrtle Creek, Oregon.  For additional information, please contact the Coos Bay Fire Department at (541) 269-1191.