A massive fire broke out at the Woodland Marina in St. Charles, Missouri on Wednesday, October 7, 2020. The facility has a capacity for 170 boats. A mechanic was working on one of the vessels when the fire began, and quickly spread to nearby boats. It took over 100 firefighters nearly 3 hours to get the flames under control. At least one employee at the marina sustained burns and required hospitalization as a result.
Safety practices such as annual electrical inspections, employee fire training, regular fire drills, and the development of a pre-fire plan with the fire department can better prepare marinas for a vessel or dock fire. Safe marinas must follow industry accepted practices in order to ensure the safety of the public. Safety practices such as annual electrical inspections, employee fire training, fire drills, and the development of a pre-fire plan with the fire department can better prepare a marina’s staff and boat owners for a vessel or dock fire. As the report concluded:
The close proximity of vessels in marinas can cause fires to spread quickly, preventing evacuation. Marina owners should assess their own operations, consult relevant fire safety guidance, and review fire plans in concert with local fire departments. Marina boat owners should familiarize themselves with their marina’s fire plan and review their vessels’ potential fire hazards and firefighting equipment
Our attorneys have extensive experience in maritime fire and explosion litigation in courts across the country and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives as a result of the negligence of another party, or been seriously injured. The experienced fire and explosion attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a boat accident or fire. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.