Pontoon Boat Fire Damages Boathouse Area on Spring Creek;

Quick Response Prevents Spread to Home

SPRING CREEK — A pontoon boat fire on Tuesday morning threatened a residence along Spring Creek before firefighters were able to contain the blaze and prevent significant damage to the main structure.

Emergency units from the Spring Creek, McCord’s Crossroads, and Ellisville Fire Departments along with Atrium Floyd EMS were dispatched to the 400 block of County Road 432 after reports of a boat fire at a home situated directly on the water. The vessel was located inside a boathouse when the fire began.

The call was initially reported as a boat fire but was quickly upgraded to include a boat and dock, and then to a structure fire as flames spread to a screened-in porch attached to the residence.

Spring Creek firefighters arrived first on scene and reported conditions as the fire began extending beyond the watercraft area. Dispatchers relayed updated information to incoming units as crews worked to contain the blaze, which at one point threatened the main home.

Firefighters were able to prevent further spread and bring the fire under control before it reached the primary living areas. The pontoon boat was moved from the boathouse during firefighting efforts as crews worked to suppress the flames. It was later pulled back to allow access to put out remaining hot spots.

Witnesses in the area reported hearing a popping sound coming from the boat prior to the fire intensifying. It is believed the fire then reached a fuel source, causing it to escalate.

When WEIS arrived on scene, firefighters had achieved knockdown and were extinguishing remaining hot spots around the engine compartment of the watercraft. McCord’s Crossroads Fire Department assisted on scene, while Ellisville units were later canceled as the situation came under control.

A nearby resident reportedly spotted the fire and contacted 911, prompting the emergency response.

The official cause of the fire remains under investigation.