Monday, May 18, 2015

FLARE TORCH SPARKS BOAT BLAZE IN ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FLORIDA









MAY 15, 2015

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FLORIDA

A boater fired a flare gun in the wrong direction on Lake Orienta on Friday morning, sparking a blaze that destroyed his boat, according to firefighters.

According to the Seminole County Fire Department, the man was having motor issues and fired the gun before 5:30 a.m.

The 17-foot boat went up in flames, but the man was able jump into the water wearing a life jacket and flag down rescuers.

“His boat motor stalled, and in order to signal someone for help, he tried to use a flare gun, but instead of the flare going up in the air, it went down into the boat and that's what started the fire,” said Seminole County Fire Lt. Dave Williams.

The boater was not injured.

Firefighters worked with a towing company to remove the boat from the water by 7:30 a.m.

“Our big concern is the fuel and the oil that still remains in there. We’re trying to secure everything to make sure there is no more environmental hazards,” said Williams.

Williams said they were using absorbent material to soak up the oil and fuel, which was estimated between two and five gallons.

“Even that small amount could affect the local plant life, the aquatic life, the fish and even the birds,” he said.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was called to the scene.