Eight people are dead and 35 boats are destroyed after an early Monday morning fire at a marina in north Alabama, according to Scottsboro Fire Chief Gene Necklaus.(Video above: Chief Necklaus gives update on fatal dock fire)Necklaus said first responders received a call around 12:30 a.m. of a boat on fire at Dock B of the Jackson County Park Marina. The chief said the fire was about 30 percent involved, but the location was difficult for firefighters to access and for those trapped on boats to exit.Necklaus said most of the vessels were houseboats and several acted as a primary residence for the occupants. Seven people were hospitalized with minor or no injuries, but at least eight people are confirmed dead. The fire chief said it could take days to confirm the identities of the victims. Officials said first responders will continue search and rescue efforts on land and in the water until every boat is checked and all victims are accounted for. Click or tap here to see drone video of the devastating aftermath.FIRE CHIEFNecklaus said Jackson County EMA Director Paul Smith is heading the investigation going forward. EMA DIRECTORSmith said cleanup crews will be taking the recovery process very slow to ensure things are done "the right way."Officials asked everyone to continue avoiding the area if possible.Look for updates here and on WVTM 13 News. Grab the WVTM 13 app for the latest on this developing story.