FEU MARINA DE ROUSES POINT

par Régis Lun 17 Jan 2011 - 14:59

Press-Republican Plattsburgh Press Republican Mon Jan 17, 2011, 01:17 PM EST
ROUSES POINT — Fire destroyed a large boat-repair building at the Marina at Lighthouse Point overnight Sunday.

Firefighters from eight volunteer departments worked for hours in below-zero temperatures to try to douse the roaring blaze.

State fire investigators with canines scoured the site early Monday after fire consumed the two-story, tin-sided building, causing it to collapse.

The building, located across the road from San Marino restaurant, is a total loss, according to Rouses Point Fire Chief Mike LeBlanc.

A neighbor called in the fire about 11 p.m. Sunday. It was already well under well when LeBlanc and his crews arrived soon after.

“I could see the fire burning under the tin and heavy smoke blowing across the road,” he said Monday. “There was a light west wind blowing.”

Fortunately, no boats were inside the structure, but the equipment used in boat repair and maintenance was destroyed.

Firefighters were able to save some boats located just five to 10 feet from the building.

LeBlanc said the fire crews worked in frigid and slippery conditions, with the temperatures about 6 degrees when they were called in and falling to below zero through the night.

They left the site at 4:30 a.m. but had to return around 7 a.m. for a rekindle.

There was no problem with the water supply, despite a water-line break in the village earlier Sunday.

LeBlanc did not know the owner’s name because the building was either in the process of being sold or had just sold.

The structure, boats and a lift nearby were covered with icicles Monday morning.

The fire departments at the blaze were Rouses Point, Champlain, Mooers, Chazy; Lacolle and St. Paul from Quebec; and Alburgh and Isle La Motte from Vermont.