Lubec lost another historic building on October 1, when the warehouse on the town dock adjacent to the state boat ramp burned to the ground, despite the dedicated efforts of both Lubec and Campobello firefighters. A total of approximately 32,000 gallons of water was pumped onto the blaze -- enough, according to the Lubec Water Company, to fulfill the needs of two homes for a year.
      The blaze started shortly after noon, sending smoke through the shoreside area. At first it looked to be under control by the firefighters arriving on the scene. Additional firefighters began arriving, with eventually at least six trucks crowded the parking area with hoses snaking across the area. Billows of black smoke suggested more was to come, then around 2 p.m. the flames began in earnest, leaping into the sky. The metal roof prevented the water from dousing the fire, leading Fire Chief Robert Hood to some fairly salty comments. By 3:30 p.m. nothing was left but a smoldering ruin. There were no injuries reported. A forklift was located inside, with a single propane fuel cylinder.
      The building was owned by H D and Sons Seafood, which used it as a warehouse. In July of 2023 the adjacent dock on the west side was damaged when a company truck fell partially through the decking.
      "We had the wiring replaced right after we bought it," said co owner Holly Wyman, adding, "I have no idea what started this." As of October 8, Hood still waited for the State Fire Marshal Office's report to arrive; this report would indicate the official word on the cause. Three days after the fire was extinguished, a small flame developed, requiring a brief visit from the tanker located at the town office.
      The building has had a long history of uses, mostly in support of maritime and other local businesses. A photograph dated "circa 1925" can be viewed on the Maine Memory Network and shows what appears to be the building or its long ago relocated partner; Pope's Folly can be seen in the background.
      Robert Peacock recalled the building from his youth, observing that 70 years ago it was used as a freight warehouse by the Fuzzy Wuzzy cat food plant formerly on Mowry Point, also long gone. Canned product was stored in the building, says Peacock, for shipment to New Brunswick, where it would go by train to Detroit then to the rest of the country. During the 1980s the Peacock family were partial owners; at that time half of the two building structure was relocated.
      Prior to its purchase by H D and Sons Seafood, the building was owned by Manfred Zorn, who also owned the building now owned by Derek and Nicolle Lyons -- the former Quoddy Dolphin. Tim and Myoko Carmen, the previous owners of the Home Port Inn, operated it during the 1990s as a take out dining establishment and a marine goods store.
      Co owner David Rice, while the smoke continued, spoke of rebuilding the facility.