Marblehead fireworks canceled after July 4 barge fire

MARBLEHEAD – The 4th of July Fireworks Marblehead celebration canceled after fireworks barge caught fire overnight.

The Marblehead Harbor Fireworks and Illumination Show was scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Thursday. Neither the fireworks nor the illumination will take place.

“There was a fire on the barge in the middle of the night,” organizers said in a statement. “The fire marshal will not allow our vendor to use fireworks until the cause of the fire is determined.”

Barge catches fire at mouth of Marblehead Harbor

Marblehead Fire Department said shortly after 1:30 a.m. a fire broke out on a barge at the mouth of Marblehead Harbor. The Coast Guard, Massachusetts Environmental Police and Beverly Fire Department all helped extinguish the flames.

No one was on board the barge at the time of the fire and authorities have not reported any injuries related to the fire.

Authorities seek photos of Marblehead barge fire

On Wednesday, fireworks organizers said a “safety zone” had been established around the barge. They said it would be patrolled by a civilian boat and the Marblehead harbormaster after 6 p.m.

Firefighters are asking the public to provide photos or video of the barge fire as they investigate. Anyone with footage can send it to [email protected]

In nearby Salem, a fireworks display is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. at Derby Wharf. Click here for a 4th of July list fireworks exhibitions around Massachusetts.