HARRISON TOWNSHIP (WWJ) - Gas pumps, docks and other boats at a marina in Macomb County narrowly avoided damage after a roaring fire broke out on a vessel Tuesday morning.
The Chesterfield Fire Department said on social media that they were dispatched to Anglers Point Marina for a boat fire in the morning hours on Aug. 16.
When crews arrived on scene, they discovered a 23 ft. boat tied to the gas dock and engulfed in flames.
Additional firefighters were called in, including an Engine from the nearby Selfridge Air National Guard Base.
Crews battled the flames with two hoses in an effort to prevent the fire from spreading to the “unburned gas pumps, dock, structure and other boats,” fire officials said.
Once firefighters were able to extinguish the flames, the boat was turned over to check for hotspots. Afterwards, additional crews were called in to de-water the vessel and tow it away.
The boat owner told fire officials that he had just refueled his boat when the fire started.
“He allowed the blower to run for 3 to 4 minutes prior to starting the engine and when he turned on the ignition, the fire started in the engine compartment,” the department explained.
Related
The owner tried to put out the fire with multiple dry chemical fire extinguishers before the fire department arrived, officials added.
The department said a pontoon boat nearby and some of the vinyl siding on the marina office had fire damage due to being close to the burning boat.
No injuries were reported.