Compensation for Wharf Fire

The San Pedro fishermen whose vessels were most severely damaged in a February wharf fire will be compensated by the Los Angeles Harbor Department, whose commissioners voted Wednesday to pay more than $560,000 to settle two claims.

The commissioners, who voted after discussing the matter in closed session, approved payment of $400,473 to the owners of the Anna Maria II and $161,087 to the owners of the Nancy Jean.

Both boats have been out of commission since the fire, which damaged four vessels when it swept through a dock leased by the Harbor Department to the San Pedro Fishermen’s Cooperative Assn. Fire officials have said the blaze was started by an electrical short in a street lamp, which ignited the wooden dock.

Frank Iacono, general manager of the cooperative, said the boat owners are satisfied with the settlement but have not decided whether to use the claim money to repair their boats or help purchase new ones.

According to the Harbor Department, there are 31 other claims outstanding as a result of the fire. Iacono said those claims are for smaller amounts and involve less damage, such as burned nets and equipment.