RedactedNarrative: On June 30, 2108 at approximately 3:11pm, I Conservation Police Officer was sent to a report of a boat on fire near the Rend Lake Marina and Dam West Access area of Rend Lake.  Prior to my arrival I learned that all nine (9) occupants from the boat had entered the water and had been relayed to the Dam West Access boat launch by two good Samaritan boat operators.  I arrived at the marina area and observed through binoculars that a Rend Lake Corp of Engineers patrol boat was on the water with the suspected boat.  The location was approximately 500 yards north east of the Marina.  I did not see any visible smoke or flames at the time I arrived.  The Corps Rangers boat towed the red 36'' Trans Fiberglass boat into the the Dam West access area for loading and inspection by the Sesser Fire Department rescue personnel.
  
  At Dam West access area I met with the vessel 1 owner/operator, along with the 8 other occupants of the boat.  I also observed and photographed the engine area of the boat after it was loaded onto the boats trailer. It should be noted that no person I spoke with indicated that they were injured.  
  
  Operator and the group had launched the boat and a jet ski. After being underway for awhile Operator stated he experienced boat problems with the port engine.  The boat has two engines and two separate ignition systems. Operator told me he lifted the hatch and took off the air cleaner and attempted to start the port motor, but was unsuccessful.  The air cleaner was left off and the hatch closed.  Operator told me that the jet ski had mechanical issues with a rope being pulled into the water intake and they tied off to it, to tow the jet ski in.  Operator explained that he only started the starboard engine with the hatch down and did not attempt to restrart the port motor to pull the jet ski in.  While they towed the jet ski, smoke began to flow out from the vented hatch, and Operator''s wife said she could smell something burning.  Operator said he shut the engine down and left the exhaust fan on.  All of the boats occupants entered the water.  Operator told me he attempted to open the hatch but was afraid of creating more of a fire and entered the water. No fire suppression or fire extinguisher had to be used, as the smoldering or fire was out when the boat was brought in.  The damaged areas were mainly to the port motor wiring assemblies and the bottom of the hatch lid was blackend and looked visibly burnt. 
  
  It would appear by the removal of the air cleaner on the port motor and the starting of the starboard (right) engine created heat and fumes.  With the carburator exposed the heat created could be a contributing factor to the port engines wiring beginning to melt.  
  
  It should be noted that on July 3, 2018 Operator phoned me and told me that he did remember after speaking with his wife that he may have tried to start the port engine with the hatch down.  The attempted starting of the port engine without the airbreather/carberator arrestor would be a contributing factor to the damage caused by the fire/heat. 
  
   
  
  The Corps of Engineers Rangers as well a Fire Department responders DID NOT use any fire suppression, as the fire and smoldering was not evident at the dock.  The damage estimates are is excess of $2000.00.
  