Police and SafeWork NSW examine cause of fire that gutted surfboard factory in Brookvale
A father and son have escaped a devastating fire that tore through a premium surfboard business on the northern beaches. Investigators are now investigating what sparked the inferno.
A urgent investigation into a devastating blaze which tore through a high-profile surfboard business on the northern beaches has been launched.
State workplace investigators and police are examining the cause of the blaze which destroyed Rhino Laminating in Brookvale. The surf company makes premium customised surfboards as well as a glassing, polishing and sanding service to board manufacturers and shapers.
Despite the efforts of more than 40 firefighters, the warehouse, workshop and its retail outlet were gutted.
Fire and Rescue NSW confirmed two people, a father and teenage son, were working at the premises in Orchard Rd when the fire broke out about 5.20pm.
They were able to get out of the brick building.
A boy, 15, suffered a minor burn to a hand and was treated by Ambulance NSW paramedics.
On Monday morning, an investigator from SafeWork NSW was seen talking with the business owner, Juan Twycross.
Northern Beaches Police will also be preparing a report on the cause of the fire for the NSW Coroner. The Coroner is required to investigate a fire, or explosion, which caused damage to property, but did not cause deaths and to establish the cause and origin of the fire.
Dozens of boards, some selling for more than $2000, were destroyed along with a number of wetsuits.
The intense fire, caused by highly flammable materials on the premises, caused its roof to collapse.
Firefighters were able to stop the fire spreading to a neighbouring paint supply business.
On its website, Rhino Laminating stated that “we specialise in building premium custom surfboards. Order your dream board and customise it how you had always imagined.”
“We offer a wide variety of services and take care of all the processes involved in surfboard manufacturing in our factory in Brookvale.”
It also did surfboard repairs.
Mr Twycross has been asked to comment.
