While taking an afternoon sail on the Annisquam, we noticed a small flame under the bridge and saw someone running away from the fire while yelling. Then there were a series of explosions and the fire suddenly became much larger. We called 911 immediately once we realized that this fire was not under control. It wasn’t long before you could hear the crackle of burning wood as the fire continued to grow. Not only did traffic stop on top of the bridge, but waterway traffic also was halted by the Gloucester Harbor Police and US Coast Guard under the bridge. Eventually were allowed to pass safely under the bridge and head back home before the ebbing tide would have made it impossible to return to our dock at Montgomery’s Cove. We were relieved to learn later that no one was hurt and that the damage was minimal.
– David Montgomery