Lightning may be to blame for sparking boat fire

Layers of foam applied across water after concerns of fuel, fumes in area

MIAMI – Fuel leaked into the water as crews worked to put out a boat fire that may have been sparked by lightning, Miami Department of Fire Rescue officials said.

It happened after 6:30 p.m. Friday at the River Run Condos and Yacht Club at 1700 Northwest North River Drive.

Capt. Ignatius Carroll said firefighters arrived to find a 29-foot Regal pleasure craft fully engulfed in flames.

Despite a combination of heavy rain and winds accompanied by continuous lightning strikes, firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in about 20 minutes, Carroll said.

Some boats in the marina were relocated as a precaution to prevent any further damage, Carroll said.

Lightning was seen striking the boat moments before flames erupted, according to a resident, Carroll said.

Although the fire was extinguished, crews were concerned with the amount of fuel and fumes that were lingering in the area of the marina. Carroll said layers of foam were applied across the water and the power to the marina was shut down until the fumes dissipated.

No injuries were reported. Carroll said the boat's owner was not there at the time of the fire.

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