PROVINCETOWN – A major blaze broke out in downtown Provincetown just before 6 PM Saturday evening. The fire reportedly broke out at The Red Shack in Lopes Square between the Surf Club, Tatiana’s Foot Long Hot Dogs and The Coffee Pot-all businesses in a block long building at 315 Commerical Street that runs to the foot of MacMillan Wharf. There are a number of apartments on the second floor. With the town jammed for the holiday weekend, police kept watch on large crowds that gathered on Commercial Street and on the beach behind the building to watch the firefight. The fire quickly went through the roof. At one point there were reports of a flashover as these photos appear to show:
Three alarms were sounded bringing mutual aid as far as Harwich to the scene with other units from all over the Cape covering other fire stations. Provincetown Firefighters attempted to make a quick knockdown but were driven back by heavy smoke and heat. Fire Chief Michael Trovato tells our Matt Pitta they utilized a newly acquired piece of equipment called a “blitz gun” that enabled them to keep the fire in the densely packed area from spreading to other buildings including the former Hersheldon’s building and the Lobster Pot restaurant.
There were a number of apartments on the second floor. Everyone made it out of the building safely. One civilian was treated at the scene for burns. No firefighter injuries were reported. By 7:30 PM the smoke was much lighter and it appeared the fire was under control. Firefighters were still chasing hot spots well into the evening. The cause of the fire is under investigation but does it does not appear suspicious. Around 1980 a suspicious fire caused extensive damage to the front of the building closer to Commercial Street in what was then the Pronto Restaurant.
Smoke from the fire could be seen across Cape Cod. This photo was taken by an off duty firefighter at Sandy Neck.
These two photos by Matt Pitta
Provincetown Police photo
Video by of David A. Cox/Droning Provincetown
Multiple photos from Cape Wide News readers like you, whom we thank very much. If you see breaking news and can safely take photos or video, please send them to us!
