On July 7, 2023, at approximately 9:30 pm, I was notified by an automated alert system by Dekalb County 911.  The alert was regarding a boat fire at Edgar Evins Marina.  Officer called me within minutes stating the same alert and that he was in route.  It sounded like the vessel was already away from the marina.  I called Officer to assist in the response.  Upon Officer1 arriving to the scene, he observed the burning vessel being blown close to another dock by the wind.  Officer1 called me back asking for my assistance on scene.  Upon my arrival, I observed a large vessel burning on the bank.

The marina security guard was patrolling the dock and could see flames coming from the vessel. He ran to the boat to find the owner on the dock complaining that he could not breath and his hands were burnt.  

Subject was asleep on the vessel and was woke by his hands burning.  Victim used a fire extinguisher to attempt to suppress the fire, but was not able to contain the fire.    

Guard tried to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher, but was unproductive.  He then untied the vessel and pushed the boat out away from the dock. He then used the marina pontoon boat to push the cabin cruiser boat further from the dock.  The wind carried the boat to the adjacent dock where the fire damaged 5 other vessels.  The Dekalb County Rescue Squad was able to use one of their vessels to approach the 42'' cabin boat and tie to the vessel and drag it to the bank and away from any other vessels.  They tied the boat to a tree and then also chained it there so it could not break free.  The vessel burned for several hours in that spot and was a complete loss.

Fire was caused by the vessels air conditioning unit failing.

CENTER HILL RESERVOIR
SMITHVILLE                    