LONG LAKE, Minn. — Three people were forced to jump into Lake Minnetonka after their boat started on fire near Smith's Bay on Sunday evening, according to the Long Lake Fire Department.
Fire Chief James Van Eyll says the three had been on the lake most of the day, and when they tried to start the boat to go back in to shore they heard a pop, and then saw smoke and flames.
The boaters jumped from the burning vessel into the lake and then swam to shore and called 911.
Long Lake firefighters worked to extinguish the boat on the water, but also laid water lines on nearby docks in case the burning boat drifted them. After the fire had been put down the boat was towed to a local marina so insurance investigators can go through it.
In a Facebook post Long Lake Fire reminded boaters that even though they are on water, fire can spread fast.
The department also recommends having an emergency plan, practicing it, and having fire extinguishers aboard.
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