A boating incident serves as a reminder for water safety as we try to beat the heat.
It was on July 7th, 2020 at approximately 6:30pm when the Sawyer County Communications Center received a 911 call reporting a boat fire with injuries at the Black Lake Campground in the Town of Draper.
Upon arrival, deputies observed an unoccupied boat in the water near the shore that contained visible flames. The operator of the boat, 46 year old David J. Wiacek, of Sheldon, told deputies that he and two others were taking the boat out onto the lake. As he pushed from shore, he attempted to start the motor several times when he heard what sounded like a small explosion. Immediately a fire erupted near the rear of the boat injuring a juvenile passenger. The remaining occupants of the boat were able to escape without injury.
The juvenile passenger received burns to his right forearm and leg. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The extent of his injuries are unknown at this time.
