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Vessel bursts into flames at Campbell River dock

UPDATE: $130,000 45-foot Bayliner appears to be a write off after quickly becoming engulfed in flames
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Firefighters tackle smoke and flames billowing out from a yacht moored at the Coast Discovery Inn Marina this afternoon around 4:30 p.m.

The blue sky above Campbell River's waterfront was pierced by black smoke billowing up from a burning motor yacht tied up at the Coast Discovery Inn Marina around 4:30 p.m. Friday.

Firefighters were called to the scene to extinguish the dramatic fire which broke out in a vessel tied up to the marina adjacent to the BC Ferry terminal in downtown Campbell River. The terminal is the departure point to Quadra Island.

No one was injured, but a 45-foot cabin cruiser was destroyed in the fire.

When the Campbell River Fire Department responded to a 911 call about a boat on fire at the Discovery Inn Marina, they found a 45-foot Bayliner vessel with flames coming from the boat’s bridge and upper cabin areas.

“Using two hose lines, the fire was quickly knocked down in the cabin, then it was fully extinguished in the other levels,” says Fire Chief Ian Baikie.

The fire department was notified about the fire at 4:17 p.m. and was on site by 4:20.

“It was important that we got there as soon as we did because the fire was growing very quickly,” Chief Baikie says. “When the owner evacuated the boat and called 911, he reported smoke coming from the electrical panel on the boat’s bridge. But fire broke out shortly thereafter, and with the crew’s quick response, the fire did not spread to lower decks or engine room. Crews also kept the propane tanks on the upper deck from becoming a hazard by keeping the fire away.”

Baikie adds: “The Campbell River Fire Department reminds everyone that fires are hazardous events, and the potential for explosion is a real possibility. For public safety, please keep well back of such fires.”

Three trucks with 17 firefighters were required to deal with this fire incident.

The vessel is thought to be a total loss, with an estimated value of $130,000.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.