Fire damages building at Harbor View in Edgartown

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Updated 2:15 pm

Edgartown police and fire responded to a late-night fire at the Harbor View Hotel last night.

At 11:05 pm, Edgartown police responded to a sprinkler alarm going off in the hotel’s Governor Mayhew building.

On arrival, officers reported heavy smoke coming from the building. No injuries were reported.

Firefighters from across the Island and Eversource were called to the scene. Dukes County Sheriff’s Office deputies were also on the scene with their mobile command unit, organizing communication on the ground that supported Edgartown fire and police.

The state fire marshal’s office will be on scene Thursday to assess the damage and investigate. The Governor Mayhew building has been closed off with tape and signs that read: “No admittance per Fire Marshal.”

“The fire’s origin is under investigation by the Department of Fire Services Fire Investigation unit. However, no criminal activity is suspected,” Edgartown Fire Chief Alex Schaeffer said in a press release.

The main body of the fire was located within the building’s walls. There was extensive damage to six rooms, with smoke damage extending to the building’s hallways.

The 7° temperatures and wind chill created a challenge for the firefighters, who experienced frozen nozzles and hose connections, and slippery surfaces.

“The successful stop of this fire is a testament to our training and seamless interoperability within the responding departments. There is no question that our success is because of our devoted department memberships and their continued service to our communities,” Schaeffer said.

Extensive construction is being done on the Harbor View through the winter.

“The team at Harbor View would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Island’s brave community of firefighters and first responders who worked tirelessly in freezing conditions,” Elizabeth Rothwell, a spokeswoman for the hotel, wrote in a Facebook post.

Updated to add information from Edgartown Fire Chief Alex Schaeffer. -Ed

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