Barge fire on Mobile River

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard and local agencies are responding to a barge fire on the Mobile (Ala.) River May 6 north of the Cochrane Bridge and downtown. CG Sector Mobile received a report from Mobile County Fire Department (MCFD) of barges on fire at Mile Marker #3 about 10 a.m. The barges were aground on the riverbank. No crewmembers were reported aboard when the fire begaan. CG Station Dauphin Island launched a medium response boat and crew on scene to escort vessel traffic through the area. MCFD brought in their own fire boast, since the site was inaccessible to land fire units. There have been no reports of pollution or injuries. The incident is under investigation. (Source: Coast Guard 05/06/18)