The Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service was called to a vessel fire in Manunda Terrace at around 11.15 this morning.

Acting Fire Watch Commander Eric Koomen said when the NTFRS arrived they found a yacht in the back yard of a house well ablaze.

“It appears that the fire began while renovations to a large yacht were being undertaken,” Acting Watch Commander Koomen said.

“The yacht’s owners were using an open flame in the refurbishments but had left the fire unattended. Some time later they noticed a fire near the yacht.

“They attempted to extinguish the fire with a garden hose, but were unsuccessful.

“NTFRS attended and it took crews from Marrara and Darwin Fire Stations in breathing apparatus approximately 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze.

“The yacht suffered extensive damage while a shed next to the yacht also suffered smoke and heat damage. No damage was sustained to the house.

“The fire sent a huge amount of smoke into the atmosphere and, as a result, neighbouring residents were evacuated and the Manunda Terrace Primary School was put on alert.

“Police and St John Ambulance also attended the scene with a 20-year-old man receiving a minor burn to his hand.

“The fire is not being treated as suspicious.”

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