Fire Destroys Pontoon Boat On Merritt Island
By Space Coast Daily // June 28, 2012
Total Loss
BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA – A pontoon boat was destroyed this afternoon when it caught fire near a dock on Merritt Island.
Lt. Jeff Taylor of Brevard County Fire Rescue said crews were dispatched to the area of 11000 South Tropical Trail on Merritt Island for a possible boat fire at 3:19 p.m. today.
The boat was reported to be a 22-foot pontoon boat afloat in the Banana River.
Fire crews reported seeing a visible column while responding to the scene.
Taylor said that upon arrival, Fire Resecue crew members confirmed that a 22-foot pontoon boat was burning.
Bystanders reported that no people were on board the boat, but that that it contained more than 20 gallons of fuel.
Crews quickly stretched attack lines to the dock where the boat was located and extinguished the blaze in just under 10 minutes, according to Taylor.
The boat is considered a total loss as a result of the fire.
Taylor said it is not known how the fire began, but an investigation has been launched to determine the cause.
No injuries were reported.