Boston Fire Department Marine Unit

Slipping through the bustling waters, two fireboats cut a path through Boston Harbor. These vessels are more than just boats. They are the Boston Fire Department Marine Unit. They are a vital lifeline for this historic city. The Boston Fire Department Marine Unit isn’t just a modern addition to the city’s safety net. It’s a continuation of a legacy that stretches back to 1873 when Engine Company 31 first began its service on the waterfront. Later joined by Engine Company 47 in 1909, these units patrolled the harbor, battling blazes and ensuring the safety of Boston’s maritime community. In 1976, they were officially designated as Marine Unit 1 and Marine Unit 2. The Boston Fire Department Marine Unit calls Burroughs Wharf their home. This isn’t your typical firehouse with gleaming poles and Dalmatian mascots. Their “firehouse” is nestled within a condominium apartment complex on the wharf. It’s a unique arrangement, born from a redevelopment agreement that saw the rundown Battery Wharf transformed into the modern Burroughs Wharf. The agreement ensured that the Marine Unit would return to its historic berth. Just a short walk across a pedestrian walkway, a ramp leads down to the berth where the fireboats await their next call. The larger vessel, Marine Unit 1, responds to roughly 300 incidents a year. Its smaller counterpart, Marine Unit 2, handles around 200. Their jurisdiction extends beyond Boston Harbor, encompassing Chelsea Creek, the Mystic River, the Charles River, and any waterfront property accessible by boat. So, the next time you see the Boston Fire Department Marine Unit cutting through the water, remember they’re not just responding to an emergency. They’re carrying on a legacy of service, ensuring Boston’s safety from the sea.