Coast Guard and First Responders Battle Fire on Scrap Metal Barge in Delaware Bay

Multiple government agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard have been responding to a barge fire in the Delaware Bay since 8:20 a..m. yesterday.

The barge is carrying salvage metal and has been moved to shallow water where it can be secured to allow responders on-scene to extinguish the fire and complete salvage operations, according to state officials.

No injuries have been reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Coast Guard reported that the barge is being towed to approximately two miles off Maurice River Cove, New Jersey, to remove the threat from the main ship channel, where firefighting efforts will continue.

Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay has established a safety zone, issued a broadcast notice to mariners, and continues to mitigate the risks this fire poses to the port.

In addition to the Coast Guard, multiple fire, police, and emergency departments and state agencies are on scene with the fireboats fighting the fire. The agencies responding include the Wilmington Fire Department, Delaware State Police, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the New Castle County Office of Emergency Management, Kent County Department of Public Safety, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and thePhiladelphia Fire Department.