The Shrewsbury Fire Department extinguished a boat fire Thursday afternoon, May 13 at the Corazzini Boat Ramp on Lake Quinsigamond. (Photo courtesy Shrewsbury Fire Department) 
(Photo courtesy Shrewsbury Fire Department) 
(Photo courtesy Shrewsbury Fire Department) 
(Photo courtesy Shrewsbury Fire Department) 
(Photo courtesy Shrewsbury Fire Department)
SHREWSBURY — Chief James Vuona reports that the Shrewsbury Fire Department extinguished a boat fire Thursday afternoon.
At approximately 4 p.m., firefighters responded to the Corazzini Boat Ramp, 251 North Quinsigamond Ave., at the Donohue Rowing Center on Lake Quinsigamond for a report of an active fire on a boat.
The initial investigation indicates that the boaters were trying to start the 18-foot fiberglass boat close to shore when the fuel and engine ignited. Three people were on the boat at the time of the fire. All three were able to escape the boat when the fire started and no injuries were reported.
Shrewsbury Police Lake Patrol towed the burning boat to the boat ramp where it was corralled and extinguished by responding Shrewsbury Fire crews.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation but appears to be unintentional. Witnesses reported observing some type of engine problem that led to the sudden ignition. The boat suffered significant damage and was a total loss.
The Massachusetts Environmental Police were notified.
Video of the fire can be viewed on the Shrewsbury Fire Department’s Facebook page.
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