Small 'flash fire' scorches part of boat in Wando River, officials say

The engine of a boat on the Wando River briefly caught fire on Sunday morning, authorities say.

United States Coast Guard dispatchers say a 27-foot boat was floating off a private dock near the Highway 41 bridge a little before 11 a.m. when it caught fire.  Charleston Fire Department Battalion Chief Mike Julazadeh said a "flash fire" occurred in the engine compartments from vapors that could have accumulated.

Coast Guard officials say the fire went out on its own about 15 minutes later, and Julazadeh said the fire only caused a small amount of scorching to the boat.

One person was aboard the vessel at the time of the fire, but was able to get off safely.

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