On Sunday August 2, 2009 at approximately 17:15, I received a phone call from Johnson County Dispatch about a boat fire in Johnson County in the area of McGuire Rd. on Watauga Lake. When I arrived, I spoke with a Operator 1 who owned the vessel that caught fire. I observed a 1985, 19' correct craft vessel which was mostly under water except for about 5 feet of the bow which was tied off to a nearby tree. Operator 1 Stated that he was operating the vessel on the lake and he smelled some gas fumes so he brought the vessel to shore. he then inspected the vessel and tried to restart the engine and it caused it to backfire and ignite the engine compartment. Operator 1 stated he started to extinguish the flames when his fire extinguisher ran empty. He then exited the vessel when it got too hot. It is unknown what contributed to the start of the fire. There was also damage caused to an inflatable trampoline. There were no injuries or charges pending. Damages were estimated by the owner to be approximately $6,000.00. The Rave Aqua Jump was estimated to be a $2,000.00 loss.
BUTLER                        