BASED ON INFORMATION TO DATE:  

Based on witness statements; the owner of vessel number 1 did put two heaters on his boat around noon the day of the incident.  He placed one in front and one near the rear.  Around 3:50 pm smoke was visible and 911 was called.  Several people untied the houseboat and floated it away from the dock as to prevent more damage.  It had already burned the two adjacent boats before it was moved away from the dock it was originally moored at.  The vessel floated across the marina while engulfed in flames.  It burned/damaged three other boats on the adjacent dock before the Chattanooga Fire Department could get it put out.  The Chattanooga Fire Department is leading the fire investgation.  Fire Investigator Captain1 is the lead investigator.
CHATTANOOGA                   