By the U.S. Fire Administration
Fires that occur on boats or in marinas can spread quickly and present unique response challenges due to hazardous conditions and limited access.
As a member of the fire and emergency medical services, you can help to make people in boating communities aware of onboard fire dangers and how to prevent boat and marina fires.
In February 2016, two people died in a Virginia marina when dozens of boats caught fire in the early morning hours.
In September 2019, 34 people died off California’s coast when the dive boat they were on caught fire while they slept.
In January 2020, eight people in an Alabama marina died when dozens of boats caught fire in the early morning hours, also while most people slept.
(In northern Alabama, a search is underway for victims of a devastating fire that destroyed dozens of boats. It happened at a marina where many live on house boats. Courtesy of CBS Evening News and YouTube. Posted on Jan 27, 2020.)
These incidents, and other similar ones, highlight several precautions that the boating community should take to prevent similar fires.
Precautions are especially important in live aboard or marina communities and for occupants with limited escape options during an emergency.
Fire onboard: how to be prepared
Generally, the best defense against fire is prevention.
Encourage live aboard boaters in your community to take these fire safety precautions:
On the boat
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Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to alert occupants to a fire.
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Have a fire emergency plan and practice it.
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Inspect electrical wiring, connections, cords and battery-charging equipment to ensure they are installed properly and in good condition.
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Have the appropriate fire extinguishers and make sure they are easily accessible. Train all boaters on how to use them.
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Check your cooling and exhaust systems. Make sure they work properly.
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Turn off portable heaters when you leave the boat or go to sleep.
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Only use certified chargers for personal electronic devices. Don’t overload power outlets.
(Divers found 25 bodies after a pre-dawn fire sank a scuba diving vessel off Santa Cruz Island. Nine people remain unaccounted for, presumed dead, as the US Coast Guard continued its search. The fire broke out onboard the 23-metre (75ft) Conception at about 3.15am, on September 2, 2019, with 39 passengers onboard. Five crew members were rescued by people on another boat. Courtesy of the Guardian News and YouTube. Posted on Sep 3, 2019.)
In the marina
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Ask about the types of fire and emergency features at the marina; including smoke alarms and fire suppression equipment.
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Know where the fire extinguishers are located and how to escape.
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Smoke only in designated areas away from any fuel-filling or storage areas.
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Inspect shore power connections for any obvious signs of damage or improper installations.
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Know how to contact help.
(Firefighters knocked down a significant marina fire on Seattle’s Harbor Island near the closed West Seattle Bridge. Courtesy of King 5 and YouTube. Posted on Mar 28, 2020.)
If a fire does occur
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Alert boat occupants and quickly get to a safe location.
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Discharge fire extinguishers from a safe location, or get to a safe location and contact the fire department.
Marina owners and operators
Understanding the dangers that exist in marinas helps to prevent fires and tragic losses.
Install alarms to notify occupants and firefighting equipment such as standpipes, hose stations and fire extinguishers so that they are accessible from all areas.
Post evacuation diagrams in public areas and designate smoking locations with safe disposal receptacles away from fuel-filling or storage areas.
Work with local first responders to develop a relationship and emergency plan.
(There is nothing more scary than having a fire aboard your boat. What happens when the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water sets out to help boaters improve their fire safety? They burn three types of boats and capture it on video. You’ll see what happens, both from the inside and outside as the fires are lit, and learn how to prepare for and address an on-board fire. Courtesy of BoatUS and YouTube. Posted on Dec 7, 2016.)
