Seaport Inlet Marina Warned Of Fire Hazards Before Boats Burned : Report Says

BELMAR - The Seaport Inlet Marina had a number of violations over the past few years, before the Feb. 14 fire that ignited a dozen boats, according to a report on app.com.

Although an official and the marina owner said after the blaze this year that shrink wrap and a heat gun were the likely cause of the blaze, documents from earlier inspections show that borough fire officials had warned the marina of fire hazards in the past.

The most recent inspection in May 2016 showed that the marina did not have a fire extinguisher for the shop and dock area, according to the report.

Fire officials told the marina owners to cover an open electrical box and repair an outlet near a restroom, according to the inspection report.
Four other violations were found in March 2013.

• Gas containers must be removed from garage or interior storage areas.
• All gas cylinders must be chained or fixed at all times.
• Smoke detectors must be replaced in garage area.
• Twelve-foot clearance must be maintained in driveway at all times.

Reports done in 2014 and 2015 showed no violations. But an inspection in May 2016 ordered the owner to provide a fire extinguisher for the shop and dock areas, cover an open electrical box on the east wall and repair an outlet by the north wall near the restrooms.

• But a fire inspection report from May 16, 2016, listed three new issues at the marina. A fire official issued the following three notes to the owner:

• Provide fire extinguisher for the shop and dock areas.
• Cover the open electrical box on the east wall (over work bench).
• Repair the outlet on the north wall by the restrooms.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office confirmed that the fire had been accidental in nature and began on a 25-foot boat "with twin outboard engines that was located on the lowest level of the boat rack in the south side of the yard," according to spokeswoman Donna Weaver.

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Image: Patch file photo.