Operator stated that he was going to replace the fuel filter but did not have the correct filter and went to the river to try the boat out. He said it would run and then quit. He would pump the bulb up and it would run then quit. The last time he tried to start the motor, he heard a pop and looked back, the rear deck was blown open and flames were coming out from under the rear deck where the fuel tank is located. He emptied his extinguisher, another guy came over and used his extinguisher also. After the second extinguisher was used the fire was out and the boat was towed back to Cooter's Pond.
Montgomery                    