On 07/03/12 at 8:52 pm, Fondulac Park District Police Marine Unit responded to a watercraft on fire on the Illinois River in the area of the Murray Baker Bridge (River Marker 163).  Upon their arrival, they were advised by Peoria Fire Personal that the two occupants who were on board had jumped off the watercraft and were picked up by another watercraft.  The Peoria Fire Department advised that once the fire was under control, the watercraft would be turned over to Fondulac Police Department for further investigation.  The watercraft was then towed to the Peoria side of the river where a pumper truck was used to extinguish the fire.  Once the fire was out, Fondulac PD towed the watercraft to Detwieller Marina.  The watercraft was then loaded onto the registered owner''s trailer. 

The following is the narrative portion of a field report from Fondulac Park Police Chief:

 I then made contact with (Registered Owner).  According to Operator, he and his wife had launched their boat from Detwieller Marina around 17:00hrs.  Approximately an hour into their trip, the boat engine started to "sputter".  Operator stated that when he attempted to give the watercraft more throttle, he heard a loud explosion and the engine cover blew off the stern.  Operator continued that at this point, he noticed flames on the top portion of the engine.  Operator stated that he attempted to extinguish the flames using an on board fire extinguisher but realized the fire was out of control.  At this point he and his wife entered the water and were picked up by another watercraft in the area.  I then questioned Operator as to whether he and his wife were wearing their PFD''s.  Operator stated "No".  I then questioned Operator as to any previous mechanical problems with the watercraft.  Operator responded that he had just purchased the watercraft two days ago.  Operator continued that the watercraft was registered out of Arkansas and that he had a copy of the receipt at his residence.  Operator was advised that a Conservation Officer may request to see the documents to confirm the boats registration.  A check of the watercraft''s hull number indicated that it was not registered in Illinois.  Operator appeared very upset over the incident and stated that he had no insurance on the watercraft.  Operator continued that he paid $5,000.00 Dollars for the watercraft.  Both Operator and his wife denied any injuries from the incident.  Operator was advised at this time that a report would be on file with Fondulac Pd and the IDNR Police.  He was then released on scene.  It should be noted that both parties admitted to consuming 1-2 beers prior to the incident but did not appear to be impaired at the time of interview.

   Inspection of the watercraft revealed extensive damage from the fire down to the waterline.  All interior components were completely destroyed by the fire.  View of the watercraft''s engine revealed extensive damage to the exterior of the motor.  All fuel lines, hoses, and wiring were completely burnt away.  View of the Backfire Flame Arrestor revealed extensive damage including stress cracks in the housing.  It appears that the fire most likely started here when the engine "back fired" and the back fire arrestor failed to contain the ignited fuel.  A section of the back fire arrestor was completely missing with fragments of the system showing outward tears in the metal.  The remaining components of the arrestor system appeared to be brittle.  Its unclear at this time whether this was from the fire or the age of the back fire arrestor.  The engine housing cover was undamaged with exception of the hinges which were broken when it was blown off the watercraft.  

Nothing further.

East Peoria                   