On 06-27-20 at 8:47 a.m., Hernando County Fire Rescue (HCFR) received a 911 call for a boat fire at the Hernando County Boat Ramp, located at 4477 Caliente St. There were reports that there were 5 family members on board, 4 of them with burn injuries. HCFR arrived on scene within 6 minutes and found flames in the rear of the boat and began to triage the 4 burn victims.
Upon arrival, the fire was quickly extinguished, and aeromedical transport called for two teenage victims of the family. The other two burn victims refused medical treatment or transport. Both teenage victims were transported to Tampa General Hospital with non-life-threatening, but serious burn injuries. There was no exposure damage to any other vehicle, boat, or structure. The fire was contained to the family’s boat. The origin of the fire appeared to be in the area of the boat’s outboard engine. The fire is currently under investigation.
HCFR responded to the scene with 3 Engines, 3 ALS ambulances, 1 Battalion Chief, and 2 Aeromedical Helicopters.
HCFR would like to remind boaters to practice boating emergencies including the proper use of fire extinguishers with all passengers and family members.
