KNYSNA NEWS - A local boat-building company, Current Marine, suffered from a fire on its factory premises last night, Wednesday 26 April. 

Despite significant damage to sections of the building, no injuries were reported, and no boats burnt beyond repair.

According to Knysna Municipal Manager Ombali Sebola, the municipality's Fire & Rescue Department was alerted about the fire at 20:05 last night and by 20:11 the first vehicle was on site. 

Three more were dispatched to the scene shortly thereafter. "Sections of [the] premises were completely engulfed when the teams arrived. The fire crews managed to contain the fire and prevented it from spreading to other areas or nearby properties," Sebola explained.

According to Current Marine owner Julian Kneale, the fire was primarily contained to parts of the building that housed their offices, working areas and equipment rooms, and thankfully not the boatyard, which contained four multi-hull boats that they are currently building. 

One of the boats, which was nearing completion and was due for delivery in the near future, was particularly close to the offices.

"This boat did sustain some damage due to its proximity to the offices, but thanks to great help from Knysna Motor Strippers we were able to tow it out of the building and away from the fire to avoid any further irreparable damage," Kneale said. 

He added that they will immediately begin repairing the damage to the boat in order to complete it. "Thankfully the other three boats didn't sustain fire damage and we can continue with those."

The fire was extinguished and the area was declared safe. "The assistance of the Garden Route District Municipality Fire Service Hazardous Materials Unit was requested due to the flammable materials that were stored on the premises," said Sebola. 

Commending Current Marine's material storage, he said, "However, due to correct storage methods and a flammable liquid store that was constructed correctly, no intervention was required from their side."

Kneale also expressed his gratitude for a resident in the area who rushed to the scene to help combat the blaze in whatever way he could. "Seun Julian played an instrumental role in preventing the spread of the fire and helping to contain it. We are very thankful for his efforts," Kneale said.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

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