FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill. -- Officials are warning the public about the dangers of boat fires going into summer 2024.听
"Fires that occur on boats or in marinas can spread quickly and present unique response challenges due to hazardous conditions and limited access," said the Illinois Fire Marshal.听
The Franklin County Emergency Management Agency shared a graphic from the Illinois State Fire Marshal on Thursday detailing the best ways to prevent fires onboard and what to do if one does break out.听
The graphic suggests the following for on-the-boat prevention:
- Install smoke/carbon monoxide detectors聽
- Construct and practice a fire emergency plan聽
- Inspect electrical wiring, connections, cords and battery-charging equipment
- Bring fire extinguishers and know how to use them聽
- Maintain cooling and exhaust systems
- Shut down portable heaters when not supervised
- Limit chargers for personal devices
The marshal's graphic also suggests what to do before departure:
- Learn what fire-prevention equipment is available at the marina
- Learn where fire extinguishers are located and what escape routes are available聽
- Smoke away from fuel in designated areas
- Inspect shore power connections聽
- Know the ways to get help聽
No matter the amount of prevention, sometimes tragedies occur. Below are the Fire Marshal's tips for what to do if a fire breaks out:
- Alert everyone onboard and get to safety as quick as possible
- Use fire extinguishers from a safe space
- Contact emergency professionals
For more tips and information on boat fires, check out the .听
