South Florida officials advise safety and precaution after string of boat fires

At least four boat fires and explosions have struck the South Florida region in newest weeks a few of which have become deadly Now personnel are advising boaters to take safety precautions as they go onto the water In late May one person was killed and others were injured including two children after a boat exploded on the water in Fort Lauderdale The man who died -year-old Joshua Fifi was a father of four Two days later another vessel burst into flames off Fort Lauderdale Beach Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue units and the U S Coast Guard responded to the scene of the blaze at South Ocean Line Skyforce arrived just minutes after the boat exploded capturing aerial footage of smoke billowing into the air Although Good Samaritans managed to save the sole occupant he had to be transported to the hospital with critical injuries If you do have an inboard engine do make sure that the blowers are working make sure it s properly ventilated before you go to start the engine Unfailingly be aware of the smell of gas announced FLFR Assistant Chief Stewart Ahearn On Wednesday another fire erupted on a boat in a Fort Lauderdale canal No one was injured or on board however one young girl -year-old Angelina Ferrari promptly called firefighters when the flames overtook the vessel I go inside I tell Dad There is a fire starting and he runs outside drops everything she stated The bulk latest boat fire in Sunny Isles Beach marks the fourth boat fire happening in a week The Coast Guard has an auxiliary venture where they inspect your vessel free of charge announced one official They ll come out go through your entire vessel look at any deficiencies you might have and tell you Hey you might want to look at that change this repair this and then you get basically a sticker from the Coast Guard that they ve inspected your vessel and that you ve passed the inspection Fire officers say the boat fires are especially challenging to deal with especially when it is a large vessel