A fire that destroyed a Launceston boating business was accidental, investigators have determined.
Tasmania Fire Service investigators found the blaze at Tamar Marine started in the customer service area on the ground floor of the building.
The fire broke out just after midnight on Wednesday, with emergency crews receiving multiple triple-zero (000) calls about flames engulfing the Trevallyn business.
Firefighters arrived within two minutes to find most of the second storey ablaze.
30 firefighters battled the blaze for about two hours before bringing it under control, but flames had already spread to adjoining business Almasts Australia and a slipway warehouse.
All three properties were destroyed, with damages estimated at more than $5 million.
Crews faced a significant challenge when mains water pressure dropped extremely low, forcing them to pump water from the nearby Tamar River.
TFS fire investigator James Foster said a “comprehensive investigation” had been undertaken.
“The property will now be handed back to the owners, who will then begin the clean up and restoration of the site,” he said.
Tamar Marine, a family-run business since 1979, released an emotional statement on social media following the fire.
“It is with extremely heavy hearts that we share the devastating news that our Tamar Marine premises was lost in a major fire overnight,” the statement read.
“To see decades of hard work, memories, and history impacted in this way is incredibly difficult for our family and our team.”
The family expressed gratitude that no one was injured and thanked emergency responders who worked through the night.
“To our customers, suppliers, friends, and the wider community – thank you for the overwhelming messages of support already received,” the statement said.
“Your kindness means more to us than words can express.“
