Fire destroys boat on Papamoa Beach driveway

UPDATED: 9.35am

The fire service has this morning confirmed that the boat fire was probably caused by an electrical fault. Their investigations showed that the fire does not seem to be suspicious or deliberately lit.

EARLIER:

Tauranga firefighters have battled a small fire this morning.

The fire engulfed a boat in a driveway at Papamoa Beach early this morning and is being investigated to find out whether it was deliberately lit.

Fire Service senior communicator Colin Underdown said residents at the Rota Close home alerted emergency services to the fire about 4.45am.

The fire was well-involved when firefighters arrived and flames were threatening the nearby house.

The residents were evacuated while the fire was contained.

Mr Underdown said fire investigators would return to the boat this morning to establish a cause of the blaze. A scene guard has been in place at the boat since the fire was extinguished.