RedactedNarrative: On August 4th, 2018, at approximately 1145 hours, I, Game Warden First Class (GWFC) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources-Law Enforcement Division (GADNR-LED), along with GWFC, were on routine vessel patrol on Lake Lanier.  At that time, we received a call from Georgia State Patrol (GSP) Dispatch, reference a boating incident that had occurred at approximately 1110 hours on Lake Lanier, in the Chattahoochee River, at the River Forks Park boat ramp area.  Dispatch advised that a boat had caught fire, and one adult male occupant had been injured in the incident.  I advised Dispatch that we would respond to the scene.  Dispatch further advised that Hall Co. Fire (HCF) had extinguished the boat fire, and Hall Co. Emergency Medical Services (HCEMS) had made contact with the Victim, and were treating him at the scene.
  
  	We arrived on scene at approximately 1200 hours, and made contact with HCF and HCEMS, Victim, as well as other witnesses.  I positively identified Victim, and he provided me with a witness statement.  HCEMS advised that Victim had suffered second degree burns to his legs, and first degree burns to his face and arms.  Victim advised me that he had added approximately 17 gallons of fuel into his 1992 Wellcraft open-motor boat earlier that date at approximately 1100 hours.  He proceeded to Lake Lanier via motor-vehicle, with the Wellcraft in tow.  
  
  He then arrived at the River Forks Park boat ramp.  Victim's son-in-law maneuvered the boat trailer into the water.  Victim then detached the Wellcraft, and started the engine, in order to back it off the trailer.  Victim stated that the Wellcraft was in the water for approximately 30 seconds.  He also stated that the blower had been engaged.  It was at that time according to Victim, that the Wellcraft caught fire.  Victim advised that he believed the fire was due to an unknown, and unexpected, fuel related problem.  
  
  Victim stated that the fuel neck may have leaked.  Victim stated that he heard a pop, then felt the floor-board become hot, and then flames abruptly surfaced at the rear of the Wellcraft.  Victim stated that the lids blew up, and the fire filled the area under the floor.  Victim also stated that he tried to put out the flames with a fire-extinguisher, but to no avail.  He then exited the Wellcraft, and proceeded to safety, but sustained the said burns.  HCF then arrived to extinguish the fire.  The boat was a total loss.  Victim stated that in the fire, he lost his wallet, credit cards, cell-phone, and other miscellaneous items of value.  Also, Victim stated that the vessel had a monetary value of approximately $5,200.00.  Additionally, I interviewed three witnesses.  They each provided me with statements, and gave me similar accounts of what occurred.  Victim refused to be transported to a medical facility for further evaluation, or treatment.
  
  Conclusion:
  
  	Following the review of all statements, and analysis of all evidence available at the time of this report, it is my opinion, based upon my knowledge, training, and experience, that the boating incident involving Victim occurred in the following manner:
  
  	   On August 4th, 2018, at approximately 1110 hours, Victim operated his Wellcraft from the boat trailer at River Forks Park boat ramp.  He started the engine.  It was at that time, that the Wellcraft caught fire.  The fire appeared to be the result of an unknown, and unexpected, fuel related problem.  The boat was a total loss. 
  
  	This incident report is based exclusively upon accessible information at the present time; results are subject to be amended upon additional information becoming available.  The case is unfounded, as no criminal activity was found to have occurred.
  
  ***End of report***
  