Smoke from boat fire causes concern in city

An overnight fire to a docked boat created smoke that could be seen around many parts of Kelowna.

Kelowna RCMP and Fire Rescue received a report that a Formula 400 SS boat was on fire as it sat on a boat lift in the 4000 block of Eldorado Court around 6:30 this morning.

The registered owner told police, that around 1 a.m. he heard the motor running and couldn’t turn it off. He tried to pull some fuses, but eventually gave up and went back to sleep.

The owner woke up later and saw the boat was on fire.

Damage to boat, dock and lift after overnight fire on Eldorado Court in Kelowna. (submitted photo/RCMP)

The Kelowna Fire Department said because the motor was running all night on the water-cooled engine, which was out of the water, the mechanics overheated and caused the fire.

In the process of putting the fire out on the dock and lift, the structure collapsed.

No one was injured.

“A fire like this creates a lot of smoke which can be seen from far away causing concerns for many residents in our community. The quick response by the Kelowna Fire Service eased those concerns,” RCMP Const. Mike Della-Paolera, media relations officer, said.

RCMP said the fire was not suspicious and no further investigation is required.