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SUFFOLK – Suffolk Fire & Rescue responded to the 6200 Block of Burbage Acres Dr. for a boat on fire.  Emergency Communications dispatched the incident at 4:02 p.m.

Engine 25 and Ladder 11 arrived at 4:09 p.m. with heavy black smoke showing from the back yard of a residence in the area of Burbage Acres Dr. and Orkney Circle.  A 21-foot center console boat was at a dock in the Streeter Creek that connects to the James River. The fire was located down a long driveway. The boat was heavily involved in fire and the dock was on fire as well.  As firefighters stretched hose lines to the dock, firefighters worked to secure the vessel to the dock.  As the vessel continued to burn, the boat drifted into the middle of Streeter Creek, where firefighting hose lines were unable to reach the burning vessel. The Streeter Creek was too shallow for Suffolk and Newport News’ Fire Boats to safely navigate to the burning boat. Suffolk’s Rescue Boat 9, a 17-foot shallow draft boat, was placed in the creek with a portable fire pump to suppress the boat fire. The cause and origin of the fire is being investigated by the Suffolk Fire Marshal’s Office. One firefighter was transported to an area hospitals with minor burns. Virginia Department of Emergency Management is being consulted regarding any environmental concerns. No structures were affected due to the boat fire.