Witness #1 stated: "I saw a guy cleaning the vessel all day. He left the vessel, and about an hour later I saw black smoke coming from the vessel. I grabbed two fire extinguishers and attempted to put the fire out. Several other people on the dock grabbed garden hoses to help put the fire out as well."
Witness # 2 stated : " I was cleaning the boat all day. I turned on the 110 switch and was using the refrigerator.  Before I left the boat I turned the refrigerator down to the lowest setting. I went to the Tiki Bar to get something to eat , when I got a call from the owner of the boat, who said the boat was on fire."

Investigation revealed: Vessel was moored in slip #21 at the Forked River State Marina.  A fire started in the inside cabin area. Bystanders were able to contain the fire by using fire Extinguishers and garden hoses, until the Forked River Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. Ocean Count Fire Marshal arrived on scene.
Case pend the Fire Marshall's report.

10/25/2013

Contacted Ocean County fire marshall's Office. Office advised that the fire was accidental and started in the area of the refrigerator. Due to the fire being deemed accidental and no evidence pending, this accident is closed.
Lacey Twp