Marblehead fireworks canceled after barge fire on July 4th
MARBLEHEAD - The 4th of July fireworks celebration in Marblehead is canceled after the fireworks barge caught fire overnight.
The Marblehead Fireworks & Harbor Illumination show was supposed to start at 9 p.m. Thursday. Neither the fireworks or the illumination event will happen.
"There was a fire on the barge in the middle of the night," organizers said in a statement. "The Fire Marshal won't allow our vendor to perform any fireworks until determination of how the barge was able to catch fire."
Barge caught fire at mouth of Marblehead Harbor
The Marblehead Fire Department said just after 1:30 a.m. that there was a barge fire at the mouth of Marblehead Harbor. The Coast Guard, Massachusetts Environmental Police and the Beverly Fire Department all helped to put out the flames.
Nobody was on the barge at the time, and authorities have not reported any injuries in connection with the fire.
"It was a bummer, my daughter was disappointed, she had friends coming over and we were going to see the fireworks," said Helen Johnson.
Authorities looking for photos of Marblehead barge fire
On Wednesday, organizers of the fireworks show said a "safety zone" had been established around the barge. They said it would be patrolled by a civilian boat and the Marblehead harbormaster after 6 p.m.
Marblehead residents Debbie and David Donovan went to see for themselves, taking their boat out to the barge to see the charred remains.
"It was all blackened, it looked like there was a serious fire out there," said David Donovan.
The fire department is appealing to the public for any photos or videos of the barge fire as they investigate. Anyone with footage can send it to ridgee@marblehead.org
Town historian Don Doliber said he's disappointed for the families who look forward to the show but he's confident the town will find a way forward.
"We are doing what John Adams said. John Adams said remember this day and celebrate it as best you can as a nation," said Doliber.
In neighboring Salem, a fireworks show is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. at Derby Wharf. Click here for a list of July 4th fireworks displays around Massachusetts.