Fire investigators say blaze is suspicious

Arson may be the possible cause of a fire that gutted the famous Paddlewheel Princess in Selkirk on Tuesday morning.

Selkirk fire department responded to what they thought was going to be a grassfire. When crews arrived on scene they discovered the boat was fully involved and engulfed in a huge blaze. The Paddlewheel was anchored in a slough that connects to the Red River.

Firefighters had to fight the fire from shore because the vessel was leaning to one side and it was far to dangerous to send crews aboard.

The fire was difficult to fight and took about two hour to get under control according to officials.

Nothing but a twisted metal skeleton of the former party boat is left .

Investigators are searching for the cause of the inferno but indications lead them to believe that the fire is suspicious in nature.

The Paddlewheel Princess has been up for sale.

-News4 Staff-

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