RedactedNarrative: On Friday, February 13th, 2015, I, Officer of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, was on land patrol in Clearwater, FL. 
  
  At approximately 1619 hours, I was notified of a personal watercraft (PWC) on fire at the boat ramp on the Courtney Campbell Causeway in Tampa, FL. 
  
  At approximately 1628 hours, I arrived at the boat ramp. Tampa Fire Rescue Engine 8 arrived at the same time. The vessel was in the easternmost ramp and was consumed in flames. I noticed the vessel was not a PWC but a small ski towing style boat. Tampa Fire Rescue began putting out the fire. 
  
  I identified the operator. Operator was soaking wet but stated he was uninjured. I asked Operator if he owned the vessel but he stated the owner was his daughter. I asked Operator what happened and he stated the vessel had been repaired recently and was test driven by the mechanic without incident. Operator filled the boat tank up with gas and trailered the vessel to the boat ramp to test drive it himself. Operator launched the vessel. Operator shoved off and started the engine, but the engine died. Operator attempted to restart the engine and heard a loud "boom." The engine cover was blown off the boat and the engine compartment was on fire. Operator soaked his jacket in the water and attempted to put the fire out with it, but the fire was too strong. Operator jumped out of the vessel and swam to shore. The wind then blew the vessel back into the boat ramp area where I observed it on arrival. 
  
  I identified a witness who is Operator's nephew and was there to assist in launching and recovering the vessel. Witness stated that Operator just left the dock when he heard a loud "boom" and saw the engine cover get blown off the vessel. Witness said within second the stern of the vessel was engulfed in flames. Witness ran out to the end of the dock and helped pull Operator out of the water. Witness saw the fire move to the front of the vessel as it drifted back into the boat ramp.
  
  I took pictures of the vessel, trailer, and the truck used for towing. The vessel registration was in Operator's wallet and was damaged from getting wet. I took a picture of the salvaged registration and Operator's driver's license.
  
  I asked Operator if the vessel was insured, but he said it was not. Operator stated he put over $8000 in the vessel purchase and repairs.
  
  Tampa Fire Rescue Capt. advised Operator the vessel was released into his control. Capt. instructed the operator not to move the vessel until it was cool. Tampa Fire Rescue report number is 9664.