CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) — An older houseboat caught fire Friday morning off Little Gasparilla Island, prompting a response from Charlotte County Fire & EMS.
Crews were dispatched around 10:34 a.m. after reports of a boat fire. While responding, firefighters spotted a column of smoke rising from the vessel.
Charlotte County Fire & EMS Marine 1 attacked the fire from the water and quickly extinguished the flames. LGI-1 and Battalion 3 also responded from land.
No injuries were reported.
Investigators classified the fire as accidental. Because of the vessel’s condition, crews could not safely access the interior, limiting the investigation. Based on the available evidence, officials believe a mechanical issue related to the age of the houseboat likely sparked the fire.
Fireworks were found onboard, but investigators said they did not cause the fire and were simply present on the vessel.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is handling the abandoned vessel portion of the incident.
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