What Happened
What Happened
At 0204 local time on July 15, 2022, the 79.9-foot-long yacht Pegasus caught fire while moored at the Peninsula Yacht Basin in Gig Harbor, Washington. No persons were on board, and the fire burned for about an hour before it was reported. By the time firefighters arrived, the fire had engulfed the aft section of the yacht and the flames could not be completely extinguished. The fire was eventually doused when the vessel sank by its stern at its berth. The Pegasus was a total loss, valued at about $1.5 million. A vessel docked nearby also suffered minor damage.
What We Found
What We Found
We determined that the probable cause of the fire aboard the recreational yacht Pegasus was spontaneous combustion due to the self-heating of used oil-soaked rags that had been improperly disposed of on the aft deck of the vessel.
What We Recommended
Fire Hazard with Oily Rags
Rags soaked with oil-based finishes, which are commonly used for painting and refinishing, pose a fire hazard if stored improperly. Because they generate heat as they dry, oily rags that are piled up, put together in a trash can, or bagged do not allow the heat to escape, creating a high risk for spontaneous combustion. To prevent a fire, users of oil-based products (or any chemical product) should carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleanup and disposal of rags, steel wool, brushes, and other applicators.
