Operator ADVISED THEY WERE OPERATING THE PWC NEAR FAIRFAX RAMP ON MONROE RESERVOIR.  HE SAID THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AS THE COWLING OF THE PWC BLEW OFF.  ALL THREE RIDERS WERE EJeCTED FROM THE PWC.  ALL THREE WERE WEARING LIFE JACKETS.  Operator SAID THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE, BUT WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE WATER.  A PASSING BOATER GOT ALL THREE RIDERS ABOARD THIER BOAT AND TOWED THE JETSKI TO FAIRFAX RAMP.

THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF THE PWC APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN ON FIRE, WITH MANY MELTED PARTS.  PHOTOGRAPHS WERE TAKEN OF THE PWC.  Operator SAID HE HAD BEEN WORKING ON THE PWC FOR A FEW DAYS BEFORE THEY CAME OUT BECAUSE IT HAD NOT BEEN RUNNING RIGHT.

THERE WERE NO INJURIES.
Bloomington                   