July 8, 2023
By:
The DeKalb County Fire Department and Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad were dispatched to a boat fire at Edgar Evins Marina Friday night at 9:33 p.m.
Initially, the report was the burning vessel was away from other boats and the marina. However, responders received an update that the burning vessel was fully involved with fire and drifting back toward the marina threatening other boats and the marina structure.
As fire and rescue crews arrived, a large cabin cruiser boat was found burning intensely and it had drifted into the “C” pier where flames began to cause damage to four other boats parked in the pier slips. Fire and rescue crews worked quickly to evacuate the pier, access the burning vessel, and attach a tow line to pull it away from the exposed boats and marina pier.
Chief Donny Green expressly wants to commend the Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad for their quick and precise response in towing the burning boat away from the pier and the four boats that had already begun to receive exposure damage.
There was one occupant on the cabin cruiser where the fire began. He was able to escape the boat, but did suffer severe smoke and heat inhalation injuries. The victim was initially treated by Edgar Evins State Park rangers and DeKalb County Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and was then transported by air medical helicopter for advanced care.
As a result of the quick actions by the Smithville-DeKalb County Rescue Squad, the fire exposure was alleviated from the four boats that received minor exterior damage, as well as hundreds of other boats and the marina.
Rescue crews towed the burning vessel to the shore and was able to secure it in a manner that prevented the craft from drifting and sinking. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers was notified of the incident.
Other agencies on hand rendering assistance were Edgar Evins State Park rangers, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officers, DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department, DeKalb County EMS, and DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency.