RedactedNarrative: On 29 September at approximately 1156hrs I arrived at Spa Creek, Severn River to locate a boat fire that had been reported by Annapolis Fire Department.  I met with fire personnel that were still in the area onboard an Annapolis Fire Department vessel and they informed me that the fire was already extinguished prior to their arrival and the vessel and subject were now at the subject’s slip at South Annapolis Yacht Center.
  
        I interviewed the owner/operator of the vessel.  Operator stated that he had refueled his vessel, a white Tiara 31ft Express, at Annapolis City Marina (410 Severn Avenue, Annapolis) and had pulled some distance away from the dock there when he turned to his rear and noticed smoke coming from the aft compartment where the fuel tank was located.  Operator stated when he opened the compartment to inspect it flames “shot out.”  O
  
  perator had a serviceable fire extinguish which he used to extinguish the fire.  After extinguishing the fire, Operator contacted U.S. Coast Guard via VHF radio, and Annapolis Harbormaster and Fire Department responded.  Operator stated Annapolis Fire Department towed him to his slip at Annapolis City Marina.  I inquired as to any possible cause for the fire and Operator stated that he thinks there could have been an electrical problem leading to gasoline fumes igniting.  I asked Operator if he had his blowers operating at the time and he stated he had them on due to his refueling his vessel.
  
        I made observations of Operator’s vessel; there was fire extinguisher discharge in the rear compartment but no obvious scorch marks.  There was also a strong odor of gasoline.  South Annapolis Yacht club employees assisted Operator in cleaning up any residual gasoline.
  
        I provided Operator with my contact information and the report number before clearing.  I asked Operator to provide a damage estimate as soon as possible.  There will be more information to follow pending this damage estimate.
    
        All events occurred in Anne Arundel County.
  