CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. – A pontoon boat erupted in flames on Lake Wissota when fireworks onboard exploded. No one was hurt. The boat’s owner was setting off the fireworks from shore 30 feet away. John Anderson, deputy fire chief, said the man had a valid fireworks permit. The explosion was about 10:10 p.m. Witnesses reported that one firework malfunctioned and set off others. Rescue divers found several small fires on the floating launch pad when they arrived. The boat was damaged but towed to shore.
Floating launch pad. Remnants of pontoon boat after beg towed to shore on Lake Wissota.