(Brookville, Ind.) - Indiana Conservation Officers responded to a boat fire on Brookville Reservoir Saturday afternoon.

A 1970, 35 foot houseboat belonging to Terry Glisson of Laurel, Indiana caught fire and burned while afloat near the Fairfield boat ramp at Brookville Reservoir.

According to Indiana Conservation Officer Corey Norrod, Glisson had recently been restoring the houseboat. Glisson and a friend brought it to the reservoir as a sort of test run.

While near mid-lake in the Fairfield area the houseboat stalled and did not immediately restart.  During repeated attempts to restart it was noticed a fire had started in the engine area.

Attempts to arrest the fire with the onboard fire extinguisher were unsuccessful.

Both occupants were able to put on life jackets when it became clear they would have to vacate the vessel.

A nearby boater was able to pick the two up from their boat before they had to jump into the lake to escape the fire.

The houseboat burned to the metal hull and sank.

Union County based EMS was at the scene. Neither occupant of the houseboat reported injuries to officers investigating the incident.

This incident demonstrates the importance of having proper safety equipment readily accessible and in good condition.

Indiana Conservation Officer Corey Norrod is continuing the investigation.