East Coast Divers, a long-established dive shop and training centre in Brookline, Massachusetts, was significantly damaged by a fire on Thursday morning that prompted a major emergency response and displaced residents living above the business.
According to Brookline fire officials and local media reports, firefighters encountered challenging conditions as compressed air cylinders stored within the facility became involved in the incident. A shop employee and a firefighter suffered minor injuries, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
For many divers across New England, East Coast Divers has been more than a retail store. The business has served as a training centre, equipment supplier, charter operator and dive travel provider for decades, making the incident one that has resonated throughout the regional diving community.
The fire was reported shortly before 11 a.m. at the three-storey building on Boylston Street that houses the dive shop on the ground floor and residential apartments above. Brookline firefighters were joined by crews from neighbouring departments as the response escalated into a multi-alarm incident.
Fire Chief John Sullivan told local media that compressed air cylinders inside the shop created additional challenges for firefighters operating at the scene. Reports indicated that cylinders became involved during the fire, requiring crews to take additional precautions while bringing the situation under control.
A dive shop employee was treated for minor burns and a firefighter suffered a laceration during the response. Both injuries were described as non-life-threatening. Two residents were also evaluated for possible smoke inhalation.
While the full extent of the damage has not yet been determined, local officials confirmed that residents living in apartments above the business were displaced. Utility crews disconnected power to the building as investigators began examining the cause of the fire.
For the wider diving community, the story extends beyond the physical damage to a building. East Coast Divers has long been a familiar name for divers throughout Massachusetts and the broader New England region, offering training programmes, equipment sales, equipment servicing, local diving activities and international travel opportunities.
The incident has prompted an outpouring of support across social media, with divers sharing memories of courses, trips and experiences connected to the business. Many expressed relief that no fatalities were reported and voiced hopes for a successful recovery.
As of publication, authorities have not released a cause for the fire. The investigation is being conducted by the Brookline Fire Department alongside state fire officials.
The Scuba News will continue to follow developments and provide updates as more information becomes available regarding the investigation and the future of the business.
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