The Fort Myers Beach Fire Department, Office of the Fire Marshal, is the lead investigating authority for the marine fire, which occurred on Saturday, August 29, 2020.
According to Executive Assistant Fire Chief Ron Martin, the District’s Fire Marshal, final investigative findings and the determined cause of the fire may take a few weeks due to the vessel eventually sinking, and the damage sustained from the fire.
The vessel owned by Bruce Pierce was occupied at the time of the fire, but Mr. Pierce and his dog Layla both escaped the fire without harm. According to the Fire Marshal, there were no injuries or fatalities related to this fire. However, sadly Mr. Pierce did lose all of his material possessions, including his wallet and cell phone. Beach Talk Radio has set up a GoFundMe account to help Mr. Pierce as he looks for a new place to live. You can donate to that fund HERE.
 At the time of this article, the Fire Marshal places Mr. Pierce’s total loss at approximately $100,000.00, which represents the value of the vessel and his personal belongings.
 The Fire Marshal concluded that a primary focus for Salty Sam’s and the boat owner will be to safely remove the boat out of the water so it does not cause any further environmental damage or concern.