The cause of a June 25 boat fire that claimed the life of a well-known Pocatello businessman has been released.

According to witnesses at the scene and authorities involved in the case, Tyvan Schmitt, 52, was attempting to crank the boat’s engine after it had been refueled at the Phillips 66 gas station on Pocatello Creek Road.

As Schmitt was cranking the engine to make sure it would work before taking it out on the water, vapors in the area of the engine ignited. The flames quickly engulfed the boat and severely burned Schmitt, who was in the immediate area at the time.

Schmitt was able to exit the boat and his friend doused him with water. Despite suffering severe burns over more than 70 percent of his body, Schmitt entered the truck and then towed the burning boat to a safe location away from the gas pumps.

Authorities said Schmitt’s actions in moving the truck and boat away from the fuel pumps might have prevented a massive explosion and averted a disaster. The flames from the boat were so high that they reached the canopy above the fuel pumps.

Schmitt’s injuries were so severe that he was transported by air ambulance to the University of Utah’s Burn Center in Salt Lake City, where he was listed in critical condition. He spent almost three weeks fighting for his life before he succumbed to his injuries on July 15.

Schmitt was a well-known entrepreneur in East Idaho. He spent more than two decades helping local families save money and helping businesses attract new customers through his Pocket Passport Coupon Books for Pocatello and Idaho Falls.