Fire Forces Portsmouth's Twisted Crab to Shut Its Doors

The Twisted Crab in Portsmouth Closes Indefinitely Following Early Morning Fire

PORTSMOUTH – A popular seafood restaurant is closed until further notice after a fire broke out early Sunday morning, causing significant damage to the establishment. Fire crews were dispatched to the scene just after 5 a.m. following multiple reports of an active blaze.

Emergency Response and Fire Containment

Upon arrival, first responders encountered heavy smoke and visible flames emanating from the building's roof. Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior attack to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent businesses. Officials have confirmed that the building was unoccupied at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported among civilians or fire personnel.

The fire was declared under control within an hour, but crews remained on-site for an extended period to conduct overhaul operations and ensure all hot spots were fully extinguished.

Investigation and Path Forward

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by local fire marshals. A preliminary assessment indicates the kitchen area as a potential point of origin, though this has not been officially confirmed. The extent of the structural and internal damage is still being evaluated, leaving the future of the dining spot uncertain.

Management has stated that the restaurant will remain shuttered indefinitely as they collaborate with insurance adjusters and contractors to assess the full scope of repairs needed.

Community and Patron Reaction

The sudden closure has elicited a wave of support from the local community. Longtime patrons have taken to social media to express their dismay and share fond memories of dining at the venue, highlighting its role as a gathering place in the area.

What do you think?

• With so many restaurants struggling to recover from recent economic pressures, is a fire like this a death sentence for a local business, or can community support genuinely fuel a comeback?


• Should all restaurants be mandated to install more advanced, and often more expensive, fire suppression systems beyond what local codes require?


• If this was your favorite local spot, would you be willing to invest in a community-funded rebuild or wait for the owners to potentially reopen on their own?