RedactedNarrative: 08/13/2015 Thursday
  
  On this date, I was detailed to Cape May Inlet Marina Slip, Cape May City, Cape May County refeownerce a vessel fire. Upon arrival, the vessel fire had been extinguished by Cape May Inlet Marina personnel and Cape May City Fire Department both of which were still on scene as well as Deputy Fire Marshal of the Cape May County Fire Marshal's Office. I first spoke with Deputy Fire Marshal who stated the fire occurred in the battery well of the vessel located in the starboard stern of the vessel. When questioned, Deputy Fire Marshal stated he did not suspect the fire to be an arson but most likely the result of mechanical failure. I boarded the vessel in question: 
  
  I observed fire damage to the starboard stern portion of the vessel. Specifically the plastic hatch cover of the battery well was melted and within the battery well the oil reservoir was melted as was the vessel main battery switch. The battery well also housed two marine batteries and wiring for various electrical components. 
  
  I then spoke with the vessel owner's son, who was on scene. OWNER’S SON stated that he and his father purchased the vessel approximately two weeks ago. OWNER’S SON stated he was last on the vessel yesterday (8/12) at approximately 1330, at which time he cleaned the vessel but did not operate it. OWNER’S SON explained how they had some minor electrical issues with the vessel, specifically the wiring to the GPS, however nothing that he suspected could have caused a fire in the battery well. OWNER’S SON said when he departed the vessel he left the battery switch in the "Both" position anticipating he was going to use the vessel the following day. When questioned, OWNER’S SON stated it was a common practice for him and his father to leave their vessel battery switches in the "Both" position.
  
  I continued the investigation at North Wildwood Station where I contacted the vessel owner. OWNER stated that he purchased the vessel approximately two weeks ago. OWNER stated he had some minor mechanical/electrical issues he had planned to address on the vessel but nothing which he suspect to have caused the fire. When questioned, OWNER stated as his son did that it is common practice to leave the battery main switch in the "Both" position when leaving the vessel. I inquired as to any potential enemies which may have caused the fire, OWNER stated he could not think of anyone who would want to damage/destroy his property and considered himself a "well liked guy". 
  
  NJSP Arson and Bomb Unit was advised of the incident but did not respond due to the observations of Deputy Fire Marshal of the Cape May County Fire Marshal's Office and the circumstances surrounding the investigation. 
  Given the investigation by the undersigned with Deputy Fire Marshal of the Cape May County Fire Marshal's Office and the statements give by the vessel owner (OWNER) and his son (OWNER’S SON), this fire has been determined to be non-suspicious in nature. If any evidence or information is discovered or developed, this case will be reopened.