Fire officials told Lake County News they were dispatched shortly before 10 p.m. to a report of a boat on fire a short distance offshore from Nice's Keeling Park.

Northshore Fire Battalion Chief Ken Petz said witnesses reported several subjects on the boat were setting off large fireworks – similar to those one would see in a professional show – and the boat caught fire.

The subjects jumped off the boat, which was anchored, and were reportedly picked up by another smaller boat, according to accounts from fire personnel at the scene.

The boat went up in flames quickly, said Petz, and burned down to its water line.

Three Lake County Sheriff's deputies, and two Northshore Fire engines and several other small fire trucks were on scene, with officials speaking with witnesses along the shoreline and at a home in the 3200 block of Lakeshore Boulevard. Many people reported seeing the incident, said Petz.

“Nobody wants to fess up to who owned the boat,” he added.

Petz said the Sheriff's Boat Patrol was trying to get the burned boat to shore, and also was looking for the responsible subjects.

Northshore Fire also was keeping an eye out for them, while responding to numerous calls reporting illegal use of fireworks in connection with the July 4 holiday, Petz said.

This year, fireworks were illegal for sale and use in all of Lake County, with the city of Lakeport – which has continued to allow safe and sane fireworks – issuing a temporary ban on use and sales due to concerns over extreme fire danger this summer.

Radio traffic Friday night and early Saturday morning included numerous reports of illegal fireworks around the county, along with loud parties, fights and reported burglaries.

E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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Morons
written by kd006, July 05, 2008

Well Bozo would be proud of you, lets see 5-20 gallons of fuel on board and your in the middle of a lake blowing off fireworks! Real Smart dummass, hope they can find remains of the registration number and cook their goose for fireworks.

What would Paul Reiser do?

:twisted:

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Hang em high
written by dexterdog6481, July 05, 2008

Let's see. Get the CF # off the hulk and send the owner a bill for cleanup, environmental pollution and general stupidity. PS, send him to jail for 5 years.

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To bad they got rescued
written by Donna Christopher, July 05, 2008

makes it hard for nature to cull the herd :wink: C'mon people, surely someone is gonna notice a neighbor who had a boat on the 4th but doesn't have one now.

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written by 1175Brush, July 05, 2008

Why didn't the fire personel or sheriff's boat stop the boat that rescued them?

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yep
written by purplegirl, July 05, 2008

I agree with dexterdog6481, it shouldn't be that difficult to track to registered owner down, question him and put pressure on him to take responsibility.

You know, I also have to wonder, along with 1175Brush, as to why when someone commits a crime we feel it neccessary to bail them out with our time, money and energy. I know, it is the "right" thing to do but sometimes it just doesn't seem very "right".

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Just can\'t fix stupid
written by John, July 05, 2008

1 box of illegal superjumbo fireworks, $xxx

1 motorboat $x,xxx

1 large group of cops and fire crews on overtime $xx,xxx

Knowing that somebody lost their boat for being extra stupid:

PRICELESS.

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written by chrizzy, July 05, 2008

dumb

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written by chrizzy, July 05, 2008

:?:

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real mature
written by mikie77, July 05, 2008

this is why tourist are a bad idea. they think just because they dont live hear they can do whatever they want. well next year, they should have out an expection station at every entry point in the county. GRILL THEIR ASSES HARD!!!

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written by parrothead832, July 07, 2008

If only "stupid" was a felony!

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