Massive Fire Engulfs Scrap Metal Barge in Delaware Bay
A significant fire erupted on Tuesday morning aboard a barge containing large amounts of scrap metal in the Delaware Bay, near New Castle. This incident drew a rapid response from the U.S. Coast Guard and local fire departments.
Incident Overview
The blaze was reported shortly after 8 a.m. As a result, the Coast Guard deployed a helicopter and two boats to the scene. Fire departments from nearby Philadelphia and Wilmington were also involved in the firefighting efforts.
Details of the Fire
- The barge was being towed by a tugboat and was unmanned during the incident.
- Fortunately, no injuries were reported due to the fire.
- The blaze generated significant smoke, which was visible from a distance.
Response and Impact
Despite the magnitude of the fire, ship traffic in the Delaware Bay remained unaffected. Firefighters used water cannons from boats positioned on either side of the barge to combat the flames.
Current Status and Investigation
The fire continued to burn for several hours. The Coast Guard confirmed that the barge was gradually being moved toward shallower waters for safety reasons. Air monitoring equipment was also set up in the area by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
