William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
A boat fire on Lake Massawippi on July 28 prompted a swift response from local firefighters and highlighted critical safety measures for boaters. Fire Chief Dany Brus, who led the response, provided an account of the incident July 29 and emphasized the importance of proper maintenance and safety precautions.
The fire department received the call at 2:20 p.m., reporting a boat fire near the lake’s shore. “We arrived on the scene, and everyone was already off the boat, near the shore,” Brus recounted. There were no severe injuries. “We treated three people for minor burns, who were transported to the hospital as a precaution.”
The boat’s occupants escaped the fire by jumping into the water and swimming to shore. The boat, aided by wind, drifted towards the shore, which allowed firefighters to extinguish the flames more effectively. “Luckily for us, that boat kind of made its way to the shore as well, so the firemen were able to put the fire out,” Brus explained.
The response involved units from two fire stations: Station 4 (North Hatley) responded initially, while Station 3 (Ayer’s Cliff) was called in for water rescue and additional assistance. The teams brought equipment, including a forestry pump with hoses, ready to address any further needs, such as potential rescues in the water.
Brus suggested that the fire was likely caused by accumulated gas fumes, a hazard with inboard motor boats. “Probably fumes. The motor stalled or they turned it off, and when they tried starting it again, there was a built-up accumulation of fumes,” he speculated. This type of incident, according to Brus, is not uncommon. “We’ve had a few fires like this the last few years. I can almost say once a year we get one of those.”
He highlighted the importance of regular maintenance, particularly the ventilation system designed to expel fumes from the engine area. “It’s all due to maintenance and upkeep,” Brus said, emphasizing that either a broken ventilation fan or a wiring issue might have prevented the system from functioning correctly, leading to the dangerous buildup of fumes.
Brus advised boaters always to have life jackets and fire extinguishers on board, both of which are legally required and crucial for safety. He also noted that after the fire was extinguished, the fire department worked closely with environmental officials to prevent any contamination of the lake. Municipalities, including Waterville, North Hatley, and Hatley Township, were informed of the incident to monitor the water quality and ensure public safety.
