Saguaro lake boat fire: 2 suffer bad burns, says Rural/Metro

MESA, AZ - Authorities say a woman and young girl are suffering significant burn injuries after a boat fire Saturday evening at Saguaro Lake.

According to Rural/Metro fire spokesman Colin Williams, the fire happened around 4:45 p.m. at the Saguaro Lake marina northeast of Mesa.

Officer Christopher Hegstrom with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said the girl is 6 years old.

She suffered burns on one of her legs, Williams said.

The girlfriend of the girl's father also suffered significant burns on her arms and parts of her lower body.

They both suffered first and second degree burns, according to Hegstrom.

Both were airlifted to Maricopa Medical Center and are expected to be OK.

The flash fire occurred when the boat was fueling up at a gas dock, Williams said.

Gas fumes filled up in the engine and air, he said. According to witnesses, it may have been ignited when the boat was started.

Williams said the boat received extensive damage to its cabin.

Six people were on the boat at the time. The other four people had their hair singed, Williams said.