Firefighters were called to Discovery Harbour Marina around 7 p.m. Friday evening to extinguish a boat fire.
No one was injured after the Andron's stern became fully engulfed in flames sending plumes of black smoke into the evening air.
Crowds gathered to watch Campbell River firefighters and Coast Guard personnel battle the blaze.
“Just after 7 p.m., Campbell River Fire Rescue responded to a boat fire at the Discovery Harbour Marina, and on arrival, crews confirmed a large pleasure craft was involved,” says deputy fire chief Chris Vrabel. “The first crew used the marina’s fire department standpipe system, which provides an efficient means to supply water for firefighting along the marina fingers, and nearby mariners assisted in moving other vessels away from the fire.”
One other vessel was damaged as a result of the fire, and damage estimates have yet to be determined.
Cause of the fire is under investigation.
“The smoke and flames from this fire could be seen from miles away, which drew spectators from all over close to the scene for a look,” Vrabel adds. “With that in mind, Campbell River Fire Rescue would like to remind the public of the importance of staying clear of Fire Department access routes at all times to ensure crews can deal with emergency situations as quickly as possible.”
Campbell River RCMP said the owner of the vessel was present when police arrived. The RCMP do not consider the fire suspicious.