Video: Four boats destroyed in Barton Marina fire

Firefighters believe an electrical fault is to blame for a fire which left four boats partially sunk at Barton Marina in Staffordshire. Video below courtesy Geoff Girvan-Merryweather/Burton Mail.

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Three people and a dog have been rescued after a fire swept through part of Barton Marina in Staffordshire, destroying four boats.

The flames spread quickly through the vessels which were moored at a jetty in the middle of the marina, located on the Trent & Mersey Canal.

Many boats were in the process of being winterised by their owners.

Firefighters putting out the fire at Barton Marina

Inspecting the damaged boats. Credit: Staffordshire Fire and Rescue

Several people at the scene were treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation, but no one was seriously injured.

The air ambulance also arrived at the scene, landing in a field next to the marina.

Fire crews from Barton, Lichfield, Newcastle under Lyme and a water rescue crew were called to the scene on the afternoon of 21 October 2016.

They spent four hours getting the fire under control.

Barton Marina fire

Firefighters at the scene of the fire. Credit: Staffordshire Fire and Rescue

Initially, one boat owner was reported missing and a specialist police dive unit was put on standby.

The man was later found safe and well by police.

A spokesman for Staffordshire Fire and Rescue said the cause of the fire is believed to have been an electrical fault on one of the vessels.

It is urging all boat owners to ensure smoke alarms are fitted on board and to test them regularly.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue said boaters could also contact them to discuss fire safety on board.

On its website, Barton Marina is described as the “Jewel of the Midlands”.

It is home to more than 300 boats and offers short-term, long-term and residential moorings.

The marina boasts a pub, a number of restaurants and a complex of shops for visitors.