Click here to view the press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and Portsmouth Fire Department responded Thursday to a fire aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Bear, while moored at Coast Guard Base Portsmouth.
The fire was reported at 11:58 a.m. in the damage control shop aboard the cutter.
Personnel aboard the Bear, the Coast Guard Cutter Forward and Base Portsmouth responded to the fire. Portsmouth Fire Department personnel arrived on scene to assist at 12:02 p.m.
The fire was extinguished at 12:48 p.m. and was contained within the damage control shop.
"I was on the pier when the fire started and personally observed the rapid response of Portsmouth emergency services," said Cmdr. James "Brett" Millican, the executive officer of Base Portsmouth. "I appreciate their professionalism and support for the Coast Guard."
There are no reports of injuries and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
The Coast Guard Cutter Bear is a 270-foot medium-endurance cutter homeported in Portsmouth.
– See more at: http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/1713091/UPDATE-Coast-Guard-locals-respond-to-report-of-fire-aboard-Portsmouth-based-cutter#sthash.etULVS3L.dpuf
