Firefighters combat boat fire on Little Gasparilla Pass, FWC assists

LITTLE GASPARILLA ISLAND, Fla. (WINK) — Charlotte County Fire & EMS is on scene, combating a boat fire on Little Gasparilla Pass.

The fire was reported to the first responders on Friday morning. 

WINK News contacted Charlotte County Fire & EMS for more information regarding this boat fire. They confirmed to be on scene addressing the active fire. 

No further details have been shared on how the fire started or whether any injuries have occurred as a result. 

WINK News contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regarding the boat fire. FWC is on the scene assisting firefighters. 

In addition, FWC provided further context on boat fires and how an investigation is launched if deemed necessary.

According to FWC, "With boat fires, if the fire is caused from the boat itself or equipment that is part of the boat, then it is deemed a boating accident, and we do a report."

Alternatively, if the fire is caused by an external source that’s not part of the boat, then FWC will usually not do a report, as it’s not technically a boat accident.

Reporter Paul Dolan is en route to the scene to gather more information and provide updates whenever they become available.

Stay tuned to WINKNews.com, WINK News App, streaming, and on air for any new developments on this story.