By DIANTÉ MARIGNY
editor@portisabelsouthpadre.com
Multiple fire departments responded to a large fire early Sunday morning that destroyed four boats and a building near a Port Isabel marina.
According to Port Isabel City Manager Jared Hockema, the Port Isabel Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the fire at approximately 1:57 a.m. on June 7 in the 900 block of East Pompano Street. Firefighters from Laguna Vista Volunteer Fire Department, South Padre Island Fire Department, Port Isabel EMS and the Port Isabel Police Department also responded to assist.
When crews arrived, flames had engulfed a structure and several boats. Firefighters first focused on extinguishing the building fire before turning their attention to the vessels. Officials said the structure was unoccupied at the time of the blaze.
Nearby resident Melba Solis Zuniga said she was awake when severe weather moved through the area and believes lightning may have been involved.
“I’m at Pelican Point Marina and felt the lightning strike,” Zuniga said. “The whole RV shook. I saw the fire from my window around 2:30 a.m.”
Fire crews remained on scene for several hours and were released around 7 a.m. after ensuring no hot spots remained. No injuries were reported.
Officials said the Texas General Land Office was contacted to assist with any fuel remediation efforts resulting from the burned boats. The cause of the fire remains undetermined and is under investigation by the Port Isabel Fire Marshal.
The fire drew the attention of nearby residents and boat owners, many of whom watched as emergency crews worked through the early morning hours to bring the blaze under control.