On Thursday August 10, 2023, at approximately 17:05, a Sunset Marina rental houseboat (Vessel 1) was approaching the marina to refuel the vessel. Operator1 was operating the vessel during docking. The vessel had recently been having issues with engine cutting off during the shift into reverse. As Operator1 approached the dock, the marina staff was giving instructions to complete the docking. 

As Operator1 shifted into reverse, the vessel died and the wind began to push the boat around and the front of the vessel closer to the dock. The front of the boat deck was higher than the dock, and the wind pushed the deck over the dock, causing the bow of the houseboat to strike the gas pump. 

The pump was knocked over, and fuel began to leak from a damaged fuel line. Dock staff were able to shut the fuel off and maneuver the houseboat away from the fuel pumps. As the marina staff were inspecting the damage, they noticed some exposed wiring, and soon after the spilled fuel caught on fire. 

The fire quickly spread and caught the marina store on fire. As the fire grew, dock hands worked on getting the rental pontoons away from the fire. Three rentals(Vessel 2, Vessel 3, Vessel 4) were damaged from the heat of the fire. Vessel 2's carpet and seats caught on fire - burning most of the interior. Vessel 3 & 4's seats were melted from the heat of the fire. 

One dock hand sustained burns to his arm trying to assist with controlling the fire. Clay County EMA worked on putting the fire out utilizing fire trucks. They were able to contain the fire before spreading to other areas of the marina. A copy of the fire department report is attached to for reference.

A witness received burns to his hands from fighting the fire.
Dake Hollow Reservoir
Byrdstown                     