Lady of the Lake evacuated as fire breaks out

[caption id="attachment_11770" align="alignleft" width="300"] Residents of Oakwood Care Center and others relax on shore as firefighters help Lady of the Lake owners extinguish a blaze in the boat’s engine room. About 100 were aboard the vessel when the fire was discovered as it was preparing to dock.-Reporter photo by Chris Barragy.[/caption]

Boat is already back in service after engine room fire

Fire broke out aboard the Lady of the Lake excursion boat Thursday morning.  The blaze was quickly extinguished and 100 passengers, including 31 residents, seven staff and five volunteers from Oakwood Care Center, were all safely evacuated along with about 80 other passengers.

The Clear Lake Fire Department responded at 11:01 a.m. Thursday with Ladder 21 and EMS personnel.

The cruise and entertainment boat operators had just docked when co-owner Jon Berhow noticed smoke.  He was able to knock down the fire with an extinguisher while the crew was able to safely evacuate everyone to shore.

Upon arrival, the CLFD worked in an area within the engine room where an exhaust from an onboard generator had ignited some wood supports.

Stephanie Kappos, marketing director for Oakwood Care Center, said she was on the top level of the boat as it was preparing to dock when she noticed smoke and the smell of wood burning.  She got up to look and saw flames shooting up the back of the boat.

“I ran down the steps and looked at (co-worker) Jennifer (Malek), who was at the front of the boat starting to assist guests off the boat. I yelled ‘Jennifer, there is a fire, everyone off the boat now!’ About that time the crew had a fire extinguisher going in the engine room,” said Kappos.

“The smoke was thick and black.  I could see about four feet.  We kept telling people to keep moving to the exit, keep low and cover their mouth and nose with clothing and napkins. I got windows open along one side as someone did on the other side. We also tried to get people close to the windows while exiting.”

A bystander called 911 and several came on the boat to assist with the wheel chairs.

“We did what we needed to do to keep all safe. Everyone is fine and we all smile about it now,” added Kappos.  “After all were on the shore, they were fed, and when asked about their experience they all had a great time and are ready to go for next year.”

The CLFD was on scene for approximately one-half hour.

The Clear Lake Police Department and Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Department assisted at the scene.

No injuries were reported.

According to CLFD Public Information Officer Billy Krefft, clean up will be minimal.  Damage was estimated at about $7,500.

The Lady of the Lake is a Clear Lake paddle wheel boat offering day tours and evening cruises from the Sea Wall area.  Owners  Jon Berhow and Scott and Nicole Monson had the boat back in operation by the weekend.