Oceanside CA— This afternoon, September 8, 2015, at approximately 3:02 p.m., the Oceanside Fire Department and Police Department responded to the Oceanside Harbor for a boat fire. The first unit arrived four minutes thereafter, and found a docked motor boat on fire.
Oceanside Fire Engine 2111 and Police Rescue Boat 1 initiated a fire suppression operation from the land and water, respectively.
Two Oceanside Lifeguards found two men, outside of the boat, with moderate burn injuries and began medical treatment. The two men were on the docked boat when the fire started. The Lifeguards teamed up with Oceanside Fire Paramedics and provided advanced life support measures.
The men were then transported by air ambulance to the UC San Diego burn center. The two air ambulances (REACH and Mercy Air) were landed at the Oceanside Harbor.
Several additional Oceanside Fire Department units provided support to ensure an effective fire and emergency medical services operation. Together, they prevented the boat fire from spreading to the dock and to several adjacent boats.
The cause of the fire is under investigation and the origin was determined to be in the engine compartment area.
In addition to the two moderate injuries, one firefighter sustained a minor injury while fighting the fire. He was treated and released while at the scene.