Just since the week of Thanksgiving, three boats have caught fire while sitting in their marina slips, in three different parts of the Chesapeake Bay. While causes have not been released for two of the fires, it’s a reminder for boat owners to be especially vigilant in safeguarding against fires on board in the winter months.
The most recent fire unfolded the evening of Sunday, Dec. 8, at Anchorage Marina on the Baltimore waterfront. Baltimore City Fire Marine Rescue responded to the marina in Canton with the city fireboat and fire rescue boat. Fire crews were able to control the blaze and contain it to one 43-foot “vintage 1985 cruiser”, located on the marina’s B dock.
The marina reported that the fire started in the galley. One person was injured and was taken to the hospital. Anchorage Marina just suffered another fire last February, which affected two boats. In that case as well, firefighters kept the flames from spreading to dozens of other boats in close proximity.
Just a week before this Sunday’s fire in Baltimore, Virginia firefighters were battling their own boat fire in a marina full of vessels. Just before 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, the call came in for a boat fire outside Dockside Restaurant.
Firefighters from Virginia, Maryland and Naval Support Facility Dahlgren responded to find a powerboat on fire, with the flames threatening other boats and the pier. Seventh District Volunteer Fire Company, based in southern Maryland, was one of the fire boats called upon. Launching from Bushwood Wharf Landing, the crew traveled about 10 miles to the scene.
Seventh District Chief John Nelson tells us the fire caused extensive damage to the boat and some damage to boats nearby. The canvas portion of the boat’s covered slip was destroyed.
And just five days before the Colonial Beach incident, on Nov. 27th, fire broke out at Nabbs Creek Marina in Glen Burnie, Maryland. There, a 38-foot cabin cruiser was engulfed in flames with the majority of the fire in the boat’s front compartment. Firefighters on land brought the fire under control with no injuries, and no damage to surrounding vessels.
WhileI fires can break out at any time on a boat, the cold months can bring extra risks. In November and December, when some owners haven’t fully winterized their boats yet, some set up portable heaters. Chief Nelson advises all boaters to turn off any portable heaters when they leave the boat or when going to sleep.
He also advises that you ensure you have a working smoke and carbon monoxide detector. Do not overload power outlets, make sure electric wiring, battery-charging equipment, cooling and exhaust systems are all in good working condition, and keep a fire extinguisher close at hand.
