UPDATE: 5:15 p.m.

Just after 3:30 p.m. emergency crews were called to the scene of what appeared to be an explosion at the public boat launch on Cook Road, next to Hotel Eldorado.

A group of five people including three children were on a boat when one passenger attempted to start the engine, causing an explosion.

"Me and Jordin and her three children were on the boat, her husband went to launch us in, I turned the pump on, I started it, it died, I started it again, next I hear an explosion, the boats on fire," said boat passenger, Terry.

Following the explosion, the children were thrown off of the boat onto the dock with the help of bystanders.

"Before I even seen the flames, my kids were off that boat so fast," said Jordin.

The two adults attempted to put out the flames using a fire extinguisher and when that was not successful the two made it off the boat safely.

No one was injured in the incident.

The charred boat has been towed away from the scene and it is not known what caused the fire at this time.

ORIGINAL: 3:44 p.m.

At approximately 3:30 p.m. a boat caught fire at the Eldorado boat launch, leaving a trail of thick black smoke in the sky, visible in nearby communities.

Emergency crews are on scene, it is not yet known what caused the fire.

Witnesses tell Castanet bystanders jumped into action to help before firefighters arrived, with one woman grabbing children from the burning boat. 

Firefighters quickly doused the fire upon arrival, although the boat appears to be a total loss. 

Castanet has a reporter at the scene and will update.

Photo: Sara Graziano