Launceston woke to a waterfront shock overnight after a fast-moving fire tore through Tamar Marine in Riverside and spread to neighbouring Almasts Australia and an adjoining slipway warehouse, leaving the site gutted and damage estimates topping $5 million.
Emergency services received multiple Triple Zero (000) calls at about 12:02 am reporting flames at the Tamar Marine building on West Tamar Road in the Riverside area of Launceston. Firefighters arrived within three minutes but found a large portion of the structure already engulfed in flames, with fire spreading rapidly through the second storey.
Established in 1979, Tamar Marine had operated as a locally owned family business for more than four decades, supplying fishing, boating and marine equipment to customers across northern Tasmania. The waterfront store had become a familiar destination for boat owners and recreational fishers throughout the region.
Fire crews faced significant challenges while battling the blaze, including extremely limited access to mains water. As a result, firefighters were forced to pump water directly from the nearby Tamar River to help contain the fire and prevent it spreading further.
West Tamar Road between Margaret Street and Forest Road was closed for several hours while emergency services worked at the scene, with traffic restrictions lifted around 4am. Authorities say fire investigators will begin examining the site as part of a joint investigation between Tasmania Police and the Tasmania Fire Service.
Emergency crews were called just after midnight following multiple Triple Zero (000) reports of flames at the West Tamar Road boating supplies store. The Tasmania Fire Service arrived within minutes, but firefighters said a large portion of the building was already alight, with flames pushing out from the upper level as the blaze took hold.
Fire spreads through three adjoining sites
What began inside Tamar Marine quickly escalated. Fire crews said the blaze spread to Almasts Australia next door and then into an adjoining slipway warehouse. By the time the fire was brought under control, all three structures were destroyed.
Police said the damage bill is in excess of $5 million. They also confirmed no other businesses were impacted and no injuries were reported.
Thirty firefighters battle blaze for two hours
About 30 firefighters worked for roughly two hours to contain the fire. Crews faced additional pressure because access to mains water at the site was limited, forcing firefighters to pump water directly from the Tamar River to keep hoses supplied and protect surrounding areas.
Fire authorities warned smoke may continue to rise from the site into the day, with an excavator expected to be used to help fully extinguish remaining hot spots.
Road closures lifted by early morning
Nearby roads were closed while emergency services worked the scene, then reopened around 4am. Authorities urged motorists to take care in the area as crews continued monitoring conditions and managing residual smoke.
Investigation underway and witnesses urged to come forward
Tasmania Police and fire investigators are examining the cause of the blaze. Anyone with information has been asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Tasmania Police on 131 444.
Further official updates are expected as investigators assess the scene and determine how the fire began. For ongoing coverage and confirmed updates, follow the reporting from ABC News.
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