Floating platform used to launch fireworks at Lake Martin catches fire

Platform used to launch fireworks on Lake Martin catches fire, Saturday, July 4, 2026 – Photo from Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

ELMORE COUNTY, Ala. (WAKA) – Alabama Marine Police need your help finding the owner of a floating platform that caught fire while being used to launch fireworks at Lake Martin.

Investigators describe the platform as a makeshift-vessel. It caught fire at approximately 8:45PM on Saturday, July 4, near the Tallassee Slough on the Elmore County side of the lake. The makeshift-vessel which was a barge that did not have a motor attached, was anchored in place.

ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division along with the Red Hill Fire Department responded to the scene, put out the fire and recovered the vessel.

If you have information regarding the owner of the makeshift-vessel or details concerning the incident, contact ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division at marinepatrol@alea.gov.