Fire at Jackson County Park Marina

What Happened

Fire broke out aboard a liveaboard houseboat tied at dock in the marina. The fire spread to neighboring vessels and the dock, trapping seventeen people. In the process of attempting to escape, eight people died. The dock and 35 vessels were destroyed.

What We Found
The ignition source of the fire could not be determined but is likely to have originated in the bulkhead near the vessel's electrical panel. The fire's spread increased due to neighboring vessels of similar fiberglass construction, and an abundance of combustible materials on the vessel decks and dock. Additionally, The Jackson County Park Marina did not observe several existing safety best practices and guidelines created for and used by the marina industry, which would have better prepared the staff and boat owners for a fire. These limited safety practices contributed to the severity of the fire and loss of life.

Lessons Learned
The close proximity of vessels in marinas can cause fires to spread quickly, preventing evacuation. Marina owners should assess their own operations, consult relevant fire safety guidance, and review fire plans in concert with local fire departments. Marina boat owners should familiarize themselves with their marina's fire plan and review their vessels'​ potential fire hazards and firefighting equipment.

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