Investigation Continues Following Marina Fire

State and federal agencies investigating the December 18th fire at the Halls Crossing Marina have determined that fewer boats were destroyed than previously thought – 15 vessels rather than 20. Three of the 15 sank, at least one of them in water 200 feet deep. A total of 153 water craft were docked at the marina, about 95 river miles up Lake Powell from Glen Canyon Dam, when the fire broke out sometime after 11 p.m. on December 18th. The fire destroyed the marina’s “F” dock, charring boat slips and melting part of the roof covering the dock. A few other boats sustained minor damage, but most were saved by the quick actions of those who first responded to the fire, including National Park Service and marina concessions staff and other volunteers. An initial assessment has placed the value of the loss of boats and facilities at between $3 million and $5 million. The remains of those boats and some of the others have been moved to a secure area for examination by investigators from the Utah State Fire Marshal’s Office and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF), which is assisting because the fire was at a federal facility. The remains of “F” dock, one of six sets of docks at the marina, are cordoned off and not open to boats or the public. The portion of “D” dock containing boat slips numbered 11 and higher also is off-limits, according to the marina concessioner, by order of the fire investigators. That prohibition includes all individuals, slip holders and insurance company representatives. Investigators have so far found no evidence that the fire was deliberately set. The Utah fire marshal continues to categorize the fire’s cause as unknown. Investigators have left the scene for now but will return after the first of the year to continue their work, which will likely continue into February. The marina is in one of the more remote locales within the recreation area, which encompasses more than 1.25 million acres in southern Utah and northern Arizona along the course of the Colorado River. Scott Ryan, chief ranger at Natural Bridges NM, has begun to assess the site for any potential environmental damage so that appropriate clean-up measures can take place. Anyone with information about the fire or needing to contact investigators should do so through the Utah State Fire Marshal’s Office. The phone number is 801-284-6350.