RedactedNarrative: BARD Report 7.6.2019 (Halls Creek Bay - Boat Fire)
  
  SYNOPSIS:
  I responded to a report of a boat fire. Investigation was conducted, and a boat accident report was filed.
  
  INITIAL CONTACT:
  At Approximately 0900 on Saturday, July 6, 2019 in Bullfrog, UT, I (Ranger, Boating Area Supervisor at Lake Powell) was contacted by NPS dispatch at my residence regarding reports of a vessel fire in Halls Creek Bay. Dispatch reported no injuries. I responded to the Bullfrog Government Docks. Smoke and fire was visible over Halls Creek as I was driving to the government docks. Ranger responded to the scene from Halls Crossing Marina, and I, Ranger responded from Bullfrog aboard the NPS units worked to put the vessel fire out. We confirmed there were no injuries and that everyone was safe.
  
  NARRATIVE AND INVESTIGATION:
  Approximately 70 yards from the burning vessel was the houseboat the involved parties and witnesses had been camping on. The vessel on fire was a 1996 17 ft. Sea Ray ski boat (UT Bow #). Also, another houseboat was approximately 70 yards away as well (Aramark Rental Houseboat). Two people stated that they were the two individuals in the boat when the fire occurred. They stated they were going to head to Bullfrog to pick up their daughter. 
  
  Operator said that the vessel was tied up next to the houseboat and they jumped in, and the engine started up, but then stalled. He stated the owner (Owner) had stated to them that when it's cold, the vessel can take a while to warm up. Operator state that they went out and it "died", he started it back up and gave it gas. He further stated that it was running rough; he released the throttle and then heard a "pop". Occupant also stated that she heard the explosion, and there was a fire ring around the motor cover and "huge flames" in the back. She also stated that it took approximately 30 seconds - 1 minute for the fire to start and flames to appear. The bow was down breeze and NPS rangers onboard the fire boat stated that the fire did start in the engine compartment (stern). Operator said, " We tried to get the fire extinguisher off, but the fire was getting worse so we jumped off and swam to the house boat". Occupant stated that she couldn't un-strap the velcro holding the fire extinguisher due to the adrenaline.
  
  Operator nd Occupant stated to me that the motor cover blew of, striking both of them in the back of the head. They both denied any injuries, and both signed medical release forms. Both stated to me that the vessel had a hard time starting, and that Operator cranked it several times. Occupant stated further, "I could smell gas fumes but didn't think it was overly strong fumes. He started move forward and everything seemed normal, but a few seconds later we heard a loud boom of an explosion and the motor cover hit us in the back of our heads. We turned around and the engine compartment was on fire".
  
  They stated they didn't own the boat and borrowed it from Owner (part of their group camping in the houseboat). Owner identified himself as a co-owner and stated that’s ubject1 is the main owner. The registration was in subject1’s name, and he was responsible for renewing insurance of the vessel. Operator did state to me that he did not run the blower to the vessel prior to starting it and that the vessel was full of gas at the time the fire occurred. Several gas cans melted and fell off the back of the vessel. Owner was not aware of any recent maintenance or mechanical issues with the vessel. He stated that he heard a "loud pop, followed by yells for help". Owner stated he took one of their jet skis over to the fire, with a fire extinguisher and attempted to put out the fire. He said the fire extinguisher ran out and he chose not to return for fear of explosion.
  
  CONCLUSION:
  The vessel was determined to be a total loss and was salvaged by Aramark. Based on my investigation, interviews with both individuals involved, witness statements and pictures - not running the blower on the vessel for the recommended 5 minutes prior to starting was a factor (gas fumes in the engine compartment). The ignition of fuel or vapor was a possible contributing factor.
  
  End of report