RedactedNarrative: The operator had just started vessel 1 with the blower running.  After starting vessel 1, the operator turned the blower off and started at an idle speed out of the no wake zone.  
  
  After leaving the no wake zone, vessel 1 died.  The operator started vessel 1 a second time with the blower off.  The vessel ran and then died again.  
  
  The operator tried to start the vessel for the third time, with the blower off, there was an explosion in the engine compartment and a fire started.  When the fire started all occupants of vessel 1 jumped into the water.  People from other boats came over and helped put the fire out.  Vessel 1 was towed to the operator's boat house prior to my arrival.  The explosion happened approximately 150 yards west and approximately 60 yards north of the east boat ramp on Bluestem Lake. Area of the accident was approx 150 yards west of the east boat ramp and approx 60 yards north of the east boat ramp.