RedactedNarrative: Operator #1 stated, to the effect: After fueling at the dock, I untied the boat and started the motor. My daughter noticed flames coming out of the rear bench as I was starting the engine. The flames grew quickly and my two daughters and I left the boat and jumped on to the dock. The boat was on fire and floated across the waterway until the wind blew it into the bulkhead on the opposite side.
  
  Investigation revealed: The operator and registered owner, completed fueling his Celebrity Bowrider at the center fuel dock of the Causeway Marina (The Boatyard) located at 2200 E. Bay Ave, Manahawkin, NJ 08050 at the time of the incident. Once fueling was complete, Operator1 untied the vessel and activated the ignition. While starting the vessel, Operator1's daughter observed flames emanating from beneath the stern bench seat. She advised her father and the flames spread quickly. Operator1 and his two daughters exited the vessel and jumped on to the fuel dock as the fire continued to spread.
  
  Operator1 advised that he had activated the blower and opened the rear hatch prior to and during the fueling process. He stated that once the fueling was completed the rear hatch was closed and the blower remained on while starting the motor.
  
  At this time the vessel drifted unoccupied in the waterway located between the fuel docks and the bulkhead for the Boatyard restaurant and bar. The vessel was fully engulfed in flames and drifted into the bulkhead several yards east of where it had been abandoned. The fire continued as the boat remained in contact with the bulkhead. Several bulkhead pilings, support structure materials, restaurant picnic tables, umbrellas, exterior framework and electrical components/ lighting were burned and damaged.
  
  Stafford Township Fire Department arrived on scene and was able to extinguish the fire. Additionally, the Stafford Township Fire Marshal arrived on scene. Fire Marshal advised DEP of the situation, photographed fire damage and memorialized events for Stafford Township. The Fire Marshal will be investigating the cause of the fire.
  
  The vessel was removed from the waterway by Causeway Marina staff and was stored at same. There were no reported injuries at the scene.
  