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Although boat fires are not the most common type of emergency faced by boaters in Canada, motorized boats do have the right ingredients for starting a fire (heat, fuel and oxygen) and the risk is real.
It’s important to take safety precautions to mitigate the most common causes of fires on recreational boats. Boaters should also be aware of the procedure to follow in the event that a fire ignites. Put safety first at all times while out on the water!
Key takeaways
- Boat fires are not common, but they remain a risk as either boat fuel or electrical components can ignite a fire under the right circumstances.
- Common sources of boat fires include smoking, fuel-burning appliances, gas and vapour buildup in the bilge, leaks, and electrical issues.
- In the event of a boat fire, take steps to minimize the risk it could spread, attempt to contain it or put it out, send out a distress call, adjust boat position (if possible), verify that all passengers are wearing life jackets, and if necessary, evacuate the boat.
- Seasonal boat maintenance and regular safety checks help reduce the risk of a boat fire on your recreational vessel.
Table of contents
- 4 Common Sources of Boat Fires
- 1. Smoking
- 2. Fuel-Burning Appliances
- 3. Gas and Vapour Buildup in the Bilge
- 4. Leaks
- 5. Electrical Issues
- What to Do in the Event of a Boat Fire: 6 Safety Recommendations
- 1. Minimize the Risk of Spreading
- 2. Attempt to Put Out or Control the Fire
- 3. Send Out a Distress Call
- 4. Adjust Boat Position, If Possible
- 5. Verify that Passengers are Wearing Life Jackets
- 6. Evacuate the Boat
- Frequently Asked Questions
4 Common Sources of Boat Fires
Boat fires can be caused by human behavior or by mechanical issues with equipment. The four most common sources of boat fires are:
1. Smoking
Smoking is linked with roughly 11% of all outdoor fires in Canada yearly. Don’t allow smoking on your vessel, especially not in the cabin. Always smoke far from fuel and electrical components and extinguish your light safely. Note that operating a recreational vessel while impaired is punishable by law, and smoking cannabis whole out on the water is discouraged.
2. Fuel-Burning Appliances
Keep gas valves turned off when not in use and never leave cooking appliances unattended while they’re on.
3. Gas and Vapour Buildup in the Bilge
Gasoline vapors are heavier than air and settle in the lowest part of the boat. Open hatches for ventilation in the bilge and cabin area. Trust your nose to check for fumes and never start an engine if there is any odour of fuel, or spilled fuel, in the vicinity. Running the bilge blower for at least 4 minutes before starting the engine clears these vapors so they don’t ignite when you turn the key and cause an explosion.
4. Leaks
Check wiring, gas tubing and fittings regularly for defects. Replace any damaged parts immediately.
5. Electrical Issues
Vibration and the corrosive marine environment can chafe wire insulation or loosen connections, leading to short circuits and sparks.
Adding too many high-draw accessories (like heaters or high-end stereos) to a system not designed for them can lead to overloaded circuits.
You can also fit gas and smoke detectors on your boat as an extra prevention strategy.
What to Do in the Event of a Boat Fire: 6 Safety Recommendations
In the event of a boat fire, it’s important to act quickly, sensibly, and prioritize the safety of those on board.
1. Minimize the Risk of Spreading
If the fire is in the engine space, shut off the engine, disconnect the fuel source and close the ventilation. Immediately remove any materials or substances that could catch fire.
2. Attempt to Put Out or Control the Fire
If possible, attempt to get the fire under control using a fire extinguisher, fire buckets or a fixed extinguishing system if the vessel is equipped with one. Only fight the fire yourself if it is small and contained to one area, you have a way out, you have an extinguisher that is rated for the class of fire in question, and you know how to use it. Direct your fire extinguisher at the base of the flames and spray in short bursts, using movements that sweep from side to side.
Always Use an Approved Boat Fire Extinguisher
Canadian boating regulations require specific types and numbers of boat fire extinguishers for different kinds of pleasure craft.
3. Send Out a Distress Call
Use your VHF Radio to send out a distress call using MAYDAY. Be prepared with a thorough knowledge of the NATO phonetic alphabet so you can clearly and quickly communicate and additional information. Canadian authorities will only respond if you or your passengers are actually in danger.
4. Adjust Boat Position, If Possible
Try to position your boat so that the fire is downwind so that the wind will blow the fire and smoke away from those on board and prevent the fire from spreading.
5. Verify that Passengers are Wearing Life Jackets
Make sure everyone on board who is not fighting the fire is wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). If you should end up in the water, wearing a life jacket could save your life.
6. Evacuate the Boat
If the fire is out of control, evacuate the boat and follow all appropriate safety procedures while waiting for rescue. Note that burning fiberglass is extremely hot and gives off hazardous fumes. If the fiberglass on your boat is burning, evacuate immediately.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Boat fires most often start in the engine compartment due to the combination of fuel, heat, and electrical components, or in the galley (via cooking accidents involving alcohol or propane stoves). They can also start in the battery compartment, as hydrogen gas released during charging can be explosive if the area is poorly ventilated.
Never use water on a boat fire. Water can spread a liquid fuel fire rather than dousing it. In addition, water conducts electricity, which can be dangerous if the fire is electrical.
Many modern boats with inboard engines have an automatic fire suppression system. These systems use sensors to detect heat and automatically release a fire-smothering gas (like FM-200 or Clean Agent). If your boat has one, it’s vital to have it inspected annually.
Sources
- Transport Canada. SAFE BOATING GUIDE. [PDF]. https://tc.canada.ca/sites/default/files/2024-03/tp_511e.pdf
- University of the Fraser Valley. Fires in Canada Originating from Smoking Materials. [PDF]. https://arcabc.ca/islandora/object/ufv%3A18664/datastream/PDF/view
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