Fire Destroys Boat At Wahweap

On June 25th, park firefighters responded to reports that a ski boat was on fire at the Stateline launch ramp. The owner, a Los Angeles firefighter, had just launched his vessel after fueling at the Wahweap gas station. Prior to starting the inboard/outboard engine, he raised his engine cover to vent the engine compartment, and, even though he could smell gasoline fumes, started the engine, which immediately burst into flames. After unsuccessfully attempting to extinguish the fire, all three adults and three children onboard were forced to abandon ship into the lake, where they were picked up by nearby boaters. Within 11 minutes of the call, the NPS fire boat was on scene.  Firefighters Kean Mihata, Joe Florko, Ben Davis, and vessel operator/captain Jared St.Clair found the vessel, a 21-foot 1987 Sea Ray, on a nearby shore fully engulfed in flames.  Within four minutes, the flames had been knocked down enough for the fire boat to come alongside the burning boat and use a short attack line to suppress the remaining fire.  The boat was towed back to the launch ramp and removed from the water. There were no visitor or employee injuries in the incident.  Although the boat was saved from sinking, it is a total loss.