Oceanside CA— Monday afternoon, March 15, 2021, the Oceanside Fire Department units responded to a reported boat fire in the Oceanside Harbor (200 S. Harbor Drive, Dock T). Engine 211 (E211) arrived on scene approximately four minutes after dispatch and reported heavy smoke coming from the end of Dock T.
E211’s captain ran down the dock and found one boat (roughly 40’) fully engulfed in flames and a second boat next to it starting to catch fire. Quick action by the Oceanside Lifeguards with assistance from fire personnel cut the third boat in line free, saving that boat from also catching fire. E211’s crew then pulled approximately 500’ of hoseline down the dock to extinguish the fire. Other responding units assisted E211 with hose and extinguishment.

Two additional engines reported to the Oceanside Boat Ramp and were able to spray water on the burning boats from the boat ramp pier. The Oceanside Police Boat also assisted with extinguishing the fire using their on-board pump. Ultimately the first boat was unhooked from the slip and was pulled toward the boat ramp to provide firefighters with better access to extinguish the flames. The first boat ended up partially sinking due to the amount of water sprayed onto and into the vessel.

Fortunately, no souls were on board of either boat and there were no civilian injuries. There also were no injuries to fire, police or life guard personnel. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The first boat to catch fire is likely a total loss.
It is not determined whether the second boat is salvageable or not.
Approximately two hours after the incident began fire and lifeguard personnel cleared the scene. Oceanside Police and Harbor personnel remained on scene to coordinate the salvage and clean-up.