Beausoleil loses ‘skoot’ to fire

By Sharon Weatherall

BEAUSOLEIL FIRST NATION — There was a trail of billowing black smoke and flames crossing the ice to Christian Island on March 26.
Fire Chief Allan Manitowabi of Beausoleil First Nation (BFN) Fire and Rescue Services says a combined effort of community services resulted in the quick extinguishing of a burning airboat. The ‘skoot’ caught fire about 1:25 p.m. on March 26 as it was travelling across the ice from Cedar Point to Christian Island. There were three passengers aboard including the driver with a load of Easter and medical supplies – thankfully no one was injured but the supplies were lost.
“The passengers who smelled smoke turned around to see a fire behind them and warned the driver. During this time the smoke could be seen from the island as well which alerted people that something was wrong,” said Manitowabi. “The driver who is also a volunteer fire fighter, immediately stopped to get the passengers off. Communications were quick thanks to the use of hand held radios. The fire department was alerted and we sent five or six guys out in the hovercraft a few minutes later to assist the boat crew to put it out. There was a combined effort from the transportation department, fire departments and emergency services.  It is not known what caused the fire at this point.”
A ‘skoot’ or airboat is a small vessel that travels across the ice in winter transporting people back and forth between Island and mainland. They have been used for many years and are crucial in the transporting of islanders during winter when the water freezes over and ferries are no longer able to
run.  In 2008 BFN purchased a 16 passenger Hovercraft to provide safe winter travel, which is used in addition to two smaller airboats. Manitowabi says
all are certified for ice travel and will float on water as well. With the frigid temperatures this season, the ice between Christian Island and Cedar
Point has remained solid.
Manitowabi said the burning airboat was travelling on ice about 20 inches thick at the time of the fire and the blaze was contained to the top of the vessel. It didn’t burn through to the ice below. Once precautions were taken to ensure the safety of all involved, members used an ice auger to make a hole in the ice about 100 feet away from the burning craft then used a portable pump and hose to extinguish the fire with water from the bay.
He said the skoot fire was a rare occurrence.
“I don’t think in 30 years I have seen a skoot go on fire. It happened so fast and immediately everyone came together. Everyone was moving on it almost before the page went out,” said Manitowabi.  “The transportation group did an excellent job and EMS was on shore ready to react. On the island we all work together in an emergency – we all have dual  roles when it comes to making sure people are safe.”
After the fire was extinguished the burnt skoot – which was insured, was dragged inland and the passengers and driver were transported to the island by hovercraft.
Public Transportation Co-ordinator Arnie Jamieson was not available by publishing time for comment regarding a loss estimate or whether BFN will replace the burned vessel.
While transportation will suffer an impact due to the fire, the winter season is over and both island ferries will be running again soon.