Rose Lake, ID – On August 3rd, 2019, at around 7:10 p.m, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and Shoshone Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a boat fire on Rose Lake. It was reported the boat was in the middle of the lake and had exploded. It was also reported that there were no injuries.
When rescue personnel arrived on scene they observed a boat fully engulfed on the middle of the lake. Due to the location of the boat, Fire Personnel were unable to address the fire. Marine Units responded to the scene from Coeur d’Alene, however the boat burned to the water line and was able to be towed in by another vessel where fire was able to extinguish the remaining fire.
The Sheriffs’ Office confirmed there were no injuries during the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation but preliminary indications show the fire started in the engine compartment, possibly due to a buildup of gas fumes.
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all boaters to make sure their engine compartment is properly ventilated prior to attempting to start the engine. It is recommend that a ventilation system run for at least 4 minutes prior to starting the boat. It is also important to make sure your Backfire Flame Arrestor is properly cleaned prior to operating your vessel.
If you have any questions about what is needed or recommended for your vessel or would like to sign up for a free boating safety class, please contact the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office at 208-446-1361.
Lt. Ryan Higgins
Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office
19-29606