How Common are Boat Fires in Manitoba?

Can My Manitoba Boat Catch Fire?

August 11, 2025

Yes, it’s possible that your Manitoba boat could catch fire. What’s important for Manitoba boaters, especially new boaters, to know is how to prevent an onboard fire.

When you prioritize safety and preparedness, you can minimize the occurrence and impact of fires as a boater in Manitoba.

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What can start a boat fire?

Boat fires can start due to electrical, mechanical, or human factors:

Electrical: Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, corroded or loose connections, and improper installation of battery cables or marine electronics. Older boats are at risk if their electrical systems have not been updated to handle modern loads.
Mechanical: Overheated engine and exhaust systems, lack of maintenance, fuel leaks from engine vibration. Mechanical failures can create sparks or expose hot surfaces that can ignite any flammable materials stored nearby.
Human: Incorrectly installed or poorly maintained electrical systems, batteries, fuel lines, smoking in confined areas, improper use of fuel-burning appliances, and using non-marine-rated equipment. Putting flammable materials in a confined space may also cause a fire.

Have there been recent boat fires in Manitoba?

Yes. In recent years, there have been both recreational boat fires and fires on larger, historic vessels in Manitoba.

A 50-year-old riverboat, the Paddlewheel Princess, was destroyed by a fire in Selkirk in 2017. Four teens were charged with arson.
In July 2017, a boat caught fire on the water near Lac du Bonnet. Two people were injured, one seriously. The boa was a write-off.
The MS Lord Selkirk II, a retired passenger ship, caught fire while docked in Selkirk in 2012. This fire was deemed suspicious and investigated by police.

How can you prevent a boat fire in Manitoba?

Regular maintenance and inspection

You’ll need to routinely inspect and maintain your boat’s electrical systems, wiring, and fuel lines to catch and repair any faults or leaks before they become potential fire hazards.

Make sure that your boat’s cooling and exhaust systems are working properly to prevent overheating, which can ignite a fire.

Handle fuel safely

Just like your car, always turn off the boat’s engine before refueling.

Regularly check for any leaks and store fuel in approved, sealed containers in well-ventilated areas.

Proper storage of flammable materials

Store gasoline, propane, and solvents in designated, ventilated lockers that aren’t near any heat sources.

It’s important to avoid any clutter that could block access to firefighting equipment or emergency exits.

Install and maintain fire safety equipment

Make sure that your Manitoba boat has the correct number and type of marine-rated fire extinguishers and check them regularly for pressure and expiration dates. Install smoke and heat detectors in enclosed areas like cabins or galleys. Have fire blankets on board, especially if your boat has cooking facilities.

Ventilation

Properly ventilate engine compartments and cabins. Doing this will help prevent the buildup of flammable vapors, especially after you refuel or start the boat’s engine.

Safe behavior

Do not allow smoking below deck or near fueling areas. Never leave galley appliances or open flames unattended. Avoid overloading power outlets.

Prepare for an emergency

Have a fire response plan with everyone on board, including how to use extinguishers, shut down fuel systems, and evacuate if needed. Make sure that passengers know the location of safety equipment and how to use a marine radio.

What’s a marine fire extinguisher?

A marine fire extinguisher is a fire extinguisher that is specifically designed, rated, and approved for use on boats and other watercraft. These extinguishers are required by law to be carried on most boats in Manitoba and in the rest of Canada and must meet specific standards. Does your Manitoba boat have a marine fire extinguisher?

What role does maintenance play in preventing a boat fire?

Regular maintenance helps prevent Manitoba boat fires by solving or fixing an electrical or mechanical problem before it can become a fire hazard.

What to do if your Manitoba boat catches fire

If your boat catches fire:

Alert all passengers and get them to put their lifejackets on right away
Turn off the boat’s engine and all fuel sources
Attempt to put out the fire with a marine fire extinguisher
Call for help using a marine radio
Evacuate if you can’t control the fire or move everyone to a safe area
Account for everyone once in the water or lifeboat

How often do boat fires occur in Canada?

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has reported that there are typically between 30 and 45 marine fire or explosion accidents reported annually across the country.

Why Manitoba boat insurance is important if your boat catches fire

Boat insurance in Manitoba is important if your boat catches fire because it provides financial protection against the costs of repairing or replacing your watercraft and its equipment. Most boat insurance policies cover fire as a standard peril, meaning you can claim damage or total loss resulting from a fire, whether it occurs on the water or while your boat is in storage.

Final thoughts

Regular boat maintenance, safety preparedness, and boat insurance will help protect you, your passengers, and your Manitoba boat in case of fire.

5 FAQs

Is Manitoba boat insurance mandatory?

No, marine insurance isn’t legally required in Manitoba. If your boat is financed, your lender will likely require you to get boat insurance and marinas can require liability insurance for docking and mooring privileges.

What is excluded in Manitoba boat insurance?

Wear and tear, negligence, poor maintenance, faulty repairs, mould, and improper storage are typically common marine insurance exclusions.

Why is liability coverage an important part of Manitoba marine insurance?

Liability coverage protects you from financial consequences if your boat causes injury or death to others or damages someone else's property. Boat accidents can result in costly legal claims, medical expenses, and property repairs. Liability coverage as part of your Manitoba boat insurance helps pays for these costs, including legal defense fees if you are sued, settlements, and court-awarded damages.

Is Manitoba boat insurance all year round?

Yes, a boat insurance policy is typically 12 months, protecting your boat while it’s out of the water.

What are the top 3 boat insurance claims?

The top 3 boat insurance claims are hitting an object such as a submerged rock or log or a dock, theft especially when the boat is out of the water, and weather-related damage such as lightning, storms, or high winds.