Crews battle fire on floating restaurant on Lake Winnipesaukee
WEST ALTON, N.H. —
Crews responded to a boat fire in Alton, officials confirmed to News 9 just after 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Content shared from viewers shows heavy clouds of smoke coming from a boat on Smalls Cove on Lake Winnipesaukee.
>> See raw video of the fire below <<
A News 9 crew saw the charred boat, which is a bar and restaurant named “The Dive.”
Some witnesses say they heard an explosion before seeing boats, jet skis and first responders approach the restaurant. Others, like Scott Hansen, say they saw the flames.
“I was just out here walking down on the dock, and I saw some smoke, and I couldn’t see because of the trees right there,” Hansen said. “The back half, I didn’t know it was on fire. I thought it was just them cooking. And all of a sudden, I saw flames shooting out of everything.”
Several Lakes Region fire departments and the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol worked to put out the blaze at the restaurant.
The Dive posted photos of the damage on their Facebook page, writing, in part: “Today has been the hardest day in our journey. Watching The Dive burn was absolutely heartbreaking, and we are devastated by this loss.”
The post mentioned the restaurant is grateful for the support they have gotten, particularly from those who helped fight the fire.
Officials say no one was injured and the fire is now under investigation by the state Fire Marshal’s Office.
Learn more about The Dive in this story from New Hampshire Chronicle.