The operator of the boat stated that he was driving the 46 foot house boat from Alma, WI to Red Wing when he heard a backfire and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The engine compartment was equipped with a fixed fire extinguisher system that put the initial fire out.  After the fire the house boat was being towed by another boat when the fire reignited in the engine compartment. Owner of the house boat attempted to put the fire out with an extinguisher but the fire spread quickly and the owner had to abandon the boat. The boat was engulfed by flames in seconds. Lake City Fire Department responded with two boats. They used water and foam to extinguish the boat fire. The boat was burned to the waterline and when the fire department attempted to tow the remaining hull to shore the boat sank. GPS reading was taken at the location.
Frontenac                     