The Maritime Fire and Safety Association was established in 1982 in response to the Protector Alpha fire that began on February 14, 1982.
The fire began during a bunkering operation. Diesel fuel spilled from an overflowing tank and ignited when it came into contact with a hot generator exhaust manifold. Poor communication, disregarded procedures, and poor decision making ultimately led to the fire burning for four days and costing the life of one Coast Guardsman and seriously injuring another.
The Maritime Fire and Safety Association was incorporated as a non-profit corporation on November 25, 1983 in order:
To promote fire protection, safety, and the enhancement of navigation on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers in order to facilitate development of the maritime assets of the region.
maritime fire and safety association, articles of incorportation, 11/25/83