Boat fire spreads to other boat in marina

NFPA Journal, May/Jun 2002 by Tremblay, Kenneth J

WASHINGTON

A fire that started by a portable electric heater on a boat docked in a covered marina spread to several other boats, fanned by high winds that impeded fire ground operations.

The boats were moored at a wooden dock that had a wood frame and a metal roof overhang. The boat on which the fire started was at the end of a dock, several slips of which were occupied by other boats. The marina had no detection or sprinkler system and was closed for the night when the fire broke out.

Although a portable heater was identified as the heat source for the unintentional fire, the exact cause and the ignition sequence was unknown, The flames spread to the boat's interior and from there, to the roof overhang and several other boats before firefighters arrived.

Using several hose lines, firefighters were able to protect a nearby garage and restaurant, despite winds of 20 to 30 miles (32 to 48 kilometers ).

Damage to the building and its contents are estimated at $915,000.