On Thanksgiving Day 2012, a devastating boat fire near the Babylon Village Docks in Long Island left a 17-year-old with serious burns to his arms and face. The fire broke out in the early afternoon, and despite the quick response of the Babylon Fire Department, three boats were severely damaged.
While the cause of the fire was not deemed criminal, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with boating, particularly when proper precautions aren’t taken. According to the US Coast Guard report on recreational boating, there were 223 boat-related fires or explosions in 2023, leading to 3 deaths, 128 injuries, and over $15 million in property damage. At Buttafuoco & Associates, our accident lawyers have seen firsthand how these accidents can lead to life-altering injuries and property damage.
I’ll tell you more below, along with when an attorney may be of help after a boating accident. If you have experienced a boat fire and suspect it was due to manufacturer or other negligence, call 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free case review.
6 Most Common Causes of Recreational Boat Fires
While fires are not the most common cause of injury or property damage related to recreational boating, they can be devastating. Below are some of the common causes of boat fires:
1. Electrical Issues
Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or improper electrical installations lead to many fires on recreational boats. Furthermore, exposure to saltwater exposure can cause corrosion, increasing the risk of electrical shorts.
2. Battery Malfunctions
Overcharged or faulty batteries can overheat and explode. Many battery fires are caused by the battery being improperly connected.
3. Fuel Leaks
Boats run on combustible fuel, and leaks in the fuel system can result in fires or explosions. Fuel vapors trapped in enclosed spaces are especially dangerous when exposed to sparks or heat.
4. Engine Overheating
Engines that are not properly maintained can overheat, causing components to ignite. Poor ventilation around the engine compartment can also trap heat and fuel vapors, increasing fire risk.
5. Improper Fueling Procedures
Mistakes during refueling, such as spilling fuel on hot surfaces or failing to shut off the engine while refueling, can ignite fires.
6. Negligence with Open Flames
Cooking on board or using open flames (like grills or stoves) without proper precautions can lead to fires, especially if flammable materials are nearby.
At Buttafuoco & Associates, we’ve seen how devastating boat fires can be, often due to a combination of these preventable factors. Proper maintenance, safe operating procedures, and vigilance are key to preventing these accidents.
Is My Boat Fire a Personal Injury Case?
According to our Boating accident lawyers serving New York, there are a number of ways that injuries from a boat fire might qualify for different types of personal injury lawsuits:
Negligence
If the fire was caused by another person’s negligence, such as failure to properly maintain their boat or follow safety protocols, you could file a personal injury lawsuit. In fact, boat fires are often not isolated to a single craft; in the case of the 2012 fire at Babylon Village Docks, three boats were damaged.
Product Liability
It’s possible that a boat fire is caused by faulty equipment or defective parts. If the fire was a result of malfunctioning wiring, engines, or fuel systems, you may have grounds to file a product liability. It’s the duty of the manufacturer, distributor, and retailer to provide safe equipment when responsibly operated.
Premises Liability
If the boat fire occurred at a marina, dock, or other boating facility, it’s the facility’s duty to maintain safe conditions. If there were inadequate fire safety measures or the fire was a result of poor maintenance, you may be able to file a premises liability lawsuit.
If you or someone you know was injured by a boating accident or fire, our experienced team of accident attorneys have the skills and experience to build your case.
Call Buttafuoco & Associates at 1-800-NOW-HURT.
