(Photo by Martha Stoelting)

SYRACUSE — Turkey Creek Township Fire Territory responded to a boat on fire Tuesday evening, Aug. 4, on Syracuse Lake. At 5:57 p.m., firefighters received the call and were able to extinguish the fire in approximately five minutes.

The fire was accidental in nature and caused by an explosion in the engine compartment, according to Syracuse firefighter Lee Gardner. The operators had just launched from the boat ramp near Henry Ward Park, and were able to quickly get back to the launch.

According to officials, the father and son who were operating the watercraft were able to float the boat back onto the trailer with the help of Syracuse firefighters after the flames were extinguished.

Conservation officers were also on scene.