Hall County Fire Rescue (HCFR) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) say four boaters escaped injury from a boat fire along Lake Lanier's Balus Creek in Oakwood over the past weekend.
Hall County Fire Rescue and Hall Sheriff's deputies were called to a boat fire at Balus Creek Park after 4:40 p.m Sunday. Prior to HCFR, spokeswoman Kimberlie Ledsinger says the four boaters jumped into the water and swam to safety away from the flames. One boater received minor injuries and was treated at the scene.
The release from HCFR says their Marine Rescue team arrived via MR-1, tethered the fully involved boat, and pulled it closer to the shore for fire suppression. The boat was almost fully extinguished by the time it reached land. Crews ensured all of the flames were suppressed before leaving the scene.
DNR Public IAffairs Officer Mark McKinnon says a man was attempting to crank the small cabin boat after it stalled. The vessel caught fire causing burns to one of the occupants. Further details remain under investigation with Hall County Fire Marshal's Office.
