Around 9:45 this morning, Capt Josh Hill of Potomac Marine/TowboatUS noticed smoke coming from a boat docked at a Neabsco Creek marina. Knowing this was a bad sign, he was able to get his fireboat on scene within five minutes. Unfortunately by that time, the boat was fully engulfed in flames and began burning its neighboring boats as well. At the same time, Prince William County Fire Department was called out and between the both of them, they were able to contain the fire to the original boat after some struggle. After many hours of fighting, they were finally able to put the fire out completely, but the damage to neighboring boats was severe.
The cause of the fire was believed by first responders to be caused by the overloading of the boat’s electrical system with space heaters – like 6 running space heaters! The fire began at the shore power inlets and spread throughout the boat in no time. Capt Josh had this to say about the situation:
“You have to be cautious when using these space heaters because your boat isn’t designed to support that constant power draw for so long. Eventually, you will cook your electrics and your boat will burn. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this.”
We get it, winter is cold and sucky, but you have to be careful because a mistake on your part could end the season for you and your neighbors before it even starts. Lets be careful and smart out there.
Update: This fire is still under investigation. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.