CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (WWSB) \u2014 An older houseboat caught fire Friday morning off Little Gasparilla Island, prompting a response from Charlotte County Fire & EMS.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
No injuries were reported.<\/p>\n
Investigators classified the fire as accidental. Because of the vessel\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Fireworks were found onboard, but investigators said they did not cause the fire and were simply present on the vessel.<\/p>\n
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is handling the abandoned vessel portion of the incident.<\/p>\n
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