ALTON — Boats, jet skis and crews from multiple departments converged on Smalls Cove Saturday afternoon as a blaze tore through The Dive, a floating bar and restaurant on Lake Winnipesaukee. Authorities said the fire was extinguished and that no injuries were reported, but the business suffered heavy damage and the cause is under investigation.
Rapid response on the water
Officials confirmed responders were alerted just after 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Several Lakes Region fire departments teamed with the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol to attack the fire from boats and shore. Witness video shared with local media showed dense smoke and flames coming from the structure anchored in the cove.
Patrons and nearby boaters described a chaotic scene. Some people reported hearing what they thought was an explosion before seeing the flames; others watched firefighters and watercraft rush toward the burning platform.
"I was just out here walking down on the dock, and I saw some smoke, and I couldn't see because of the trees right there... And all of a sudden, I saw flames shooting out of everything," said Scott Hansen, who witnessed the fire from the shoreline.
Damage, community reaction and next steps
The Dive posted photos of the charred structure to its Facebook page and described the day as the hardest in the restaurant’s journey, saying staff were devastated by the loss and thankful to those who helped fight the fire. The business did not provide a precise damage estimate in its post.
State and local officials confirmed that the New Hampshire Fire Marshal’s Office will handle the investigation into the origin and cause of the blaze. Authorities have not released any preliminary findings.
Who answered the call
Multiple agencies and local departments were involved in the response. A short summary of responding units compiled from reports:
- Several Lakes Region fire departments (mutual aid)
- New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol
- Local boaters and bystanders who assisted in initial firefighting and evacuations
| What | Reported |
|---|---|
| Alert time | Shortly after 4:30 p.m., Saturday |
| Location | Smalls Cove, Lake Winnipesaukee (Alton) |
| Injuries | No injuries reported |
| Investigation | New Hampshire Fire Marshal's Office |
What boat-restaurant fires mean for lake safety
Floating restaurants and other waterborne businesses present unique firefighting challenges: limited access, fuel risks from nearby watercraft, and the need to coordinate marine assets. In this case, first responders relied on boats and mutual aid to steer water and crews to the platform.
Lake-goers should keep a few simple safety tips in mind:
- Maintain a safe distance when you see smoke or fire; nearby boats and responders need clear space to work.
- If you’re first on scene and trained, use portable extinguishers or boats’ buckets only if you can do so safely without putting yourself at risk.
- Report any marine fuel leaks or sunken debris to authorities; environmental concerns often follow structure fires on water.
What we still don’t know
Officials have not said whether the initial reports of an explosion were tied to a mechanical, gas or electrical failure, nor have they provided a timeline for releasing investigative findings. The Fire Marshal’s Office will determine the origin and cause, and those results may take days or weeks.
For now, The Dive’s owners and staff are assessing the loss and coordinating with insurers and investigators. The business thanked community members and responders in its social media message and asked for patience while it processes the aftermath.
This story will be updated as authorities release more information.
