Westport, Wis. – A fire broke out Thursday afternoon in the 5300 block of West River Road, scorching two boats stored in a field near Skipper Bud’s Service Center. The blaze severely damaged a Betty Lou Cruises vessel, while a smaller wooden boat beside it suffered only minor damage.
Emergency response
Firefighters from Madison Fire, Waunakee Fire and the Dane County Sheriff’s Office arrived quickly on the scene. They were able to knock down the flames and began cooling the area to prevent further spread. A deputy on site told WMTV 15 News that, based on initial observations, the fire does not appear to be suspicious.
Impact on the boats
The Betty Lou Cruises boat, a larger passenger vessel, sustained extensive fire damage that will likely require significant repairs before it can return to service. The adjacent wooden boat escaped with only superficial scorching, but its owner will still need to assess any structural concerns.
Community context
West River Road is a popular corridor for local boat owners who store their vessels in the field near the service center. While the fire caused property loss, no injuries were reported, and the quick actions of the responding agencies helped keep the incident contained.
Next steps
Authorities will continue their investigation to determine the cause of the fire. The owners of the damaged boats are expected to work with their insurers and the service center to arrange repairs. Residents are reminded to follow safety guidelines when storing boats and other equipment in outdoor facilities.
As the story develops, updates will be provided on the investigation’s findings and any additional measures taken to protect the Westport boating community.
Original reporting: NBC15 WMTV (Gray) – local — read the source article.
