Fire at popular Lake Powell marina determined to be accidental

Fire crews respond to fire at Bullfrog Marina at Lake Powell in Kane County on Oct. 26, 2023. National Park Service officials concluded Friday that the fire was "accidental in nature."

Fire crews respond to fire at Bullfrog Marina at Lake Powell in Kane County on Oct. 26, 2023. National Park Service officials concluded Friday that the fire was "accidental in nature." (National Park Service)


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BULLFROG BASIN, Kane County — A fire that damaged multiple houseboats at a popular Lake Powell marina in October was determined to be "accidental in nature," according to park officials.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area officials on Friday said National Park Service investigators had closed their investigation of the Oct. 26 fire at Bullfrog Marina. The agency offered few additional details of the report, only saying, "The source of the fire was undetermined."

The owner of a boat docked in the marina captured dramatic videos of the blaze as it tore through multiple houseboats. St. George News reported at least five boats were destroyed and some people were treated for smoke inhalation.

Park officials said witness photos and videos helped during the investigation and all of the affected areas "are now open."

The fire followed a pair of other notable houseboat incidents at Lake Powell last year.

More than half a dozen houseboats docked at Wahweap Marina were damaged or destroyed by fire in June, which was also determined to be "accidental in nature." In September, two dozen people, including a mother and her 2-month-old child, were forced to jump from a houseboat after it erupted in flames. It's unclear what caused that fire.

Glen Canyon National Recreation Area recorded 5.2 million visits in 2023, marking its busiest year ever, according to National Park Service data.

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Carter Williams is a reporter for KSL.com. He covers Salt Lake City, statewide transportation issues, outdoors, the environment and weather. He is a graduate of Southern Utah University.
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