Fire at Deacons boatyard

Firefighters tackle the fire at Deacons Boatyeard. Credit: Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service

Firefighters are investigating the cause of a blaze which damaged a chandlery building at a Bursledon boatyard last night.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 23:49 BST after a fire began in the ground floor of Deacons Force 4 Chandlery and spread to the roof of the building.

Around 40 firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze in the early hours of this morning and the cause is now being investigated.

No-one was hurt in the fire and no boats were affected.

Firefighters tackle the fire at Deacons Boatyeard. Credit: Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service

Six fire crews from St Mary’s, Fareham, Eastleigh, Hightown, Botley and the aerial ladder team from St Mary’s tackled the blaze.

Explosive flares were removed from the building along with other flammable chemicals.

The ground floor was damaged by smoke and water but the rear premises were not damaged.

South Central Ambulance service also sent a Hazardous Area response team to the incident.

Deacons Marina and Boatyard is situated on a sheltered bank on the western side of the Hamble River, with 130 berths afloat and space for 160 boats ashore.

Many improvements have taken place at Deacons in recent years, including a modern shower and toilet block, a new marina layout with finger berths and many more walk on, deep water berths.

A Deacons spokesman said: ‘We have had a major fire on site at Force 4 Chandlery in the early hours of this morning.

‘Please note that the chandlery is currently closed at the Deacons boatyard site.

‘We will keep you up to date with any further information at www.deaconsmarina.com.’

A Force 4 Chandlery spokesman said: ‘Our Deacons store is closed but if you have orders outstanding all other local shops are open and ready to help.’