A Coast Guard captain supervising the investigation into the Menemsha boathouse fire said preliminary information shows the fire may not have started in the boathouse. “My conclusion, although this is unofficial . . . I don’t think the statements that were made Monday, which is that the fire originated in the boathouse, would be made today,” said Capt. Verne Gifford out of Coast Guard Station Woods Hole. Captain Gifford also reiterated a request for anyone who witnessed the fire or took photographs that may aid in the investigation to call the Coast Guard at 508-645-2611, or stop by the Menemsha station.

His comments came at an emergency meeting of the Chilmark selectmen held Friday afternoon at the Menemsha Coast Guard station, the fourth emergency meeting since the Monday afternoon fire. The meeting was attended by Cape and Islands Rep. Timothy Madden, a spokesman for Cong. William Delahunt, among others. Captain Gifford emphasized that the investigation is still preliminary.

The Gazette will continue to post updates about the fire investigation as they become available. A complete story about the Friday meeting will appear in the Tuesday Gazette.