A fire tore through Haines Hunter’s Derrimut factory on the morning of Friday, damaging the moulding section and forcing crews to fight defensively as parts of the building collapsed. Four people were treated for smoke inhalation, but the company confirmed all staff were safely evacuated and most of its critical boat moulds survived intact.
Fire crews arrived at the East Derrimut Crescent factory shortly after 10am, following multiple emergency calls. They found thick smoke pouring from the structure, with fire concentrated at the western end of the site. As the building’s structure began collapsing, firefighters couldn’t enter and had to battle the blaze from outside.
The Country Fire Authority brought the fire under control early that afternoon. Neighbouring businesses were evacuated as a precaution. Ambulance Victoria treated four people for smoke inhalation and transported them to hospital. Managing director John Haber confirmed no serious injuries occurred.
CFA Response Prevented Greater Damage
Haber credited the CFA with stopping the fire from causing even more extensive damage. Weather conditions made the firefighting effort particularly challenging.
“We would like to sincerely thank the CFA for their outstanding efforts,” Haber said in a statement issued on Sunday. “Their professionalism, speed, and compassion while working in extremely challenging conditions were nothing short of remarkable. The weather played a major contributing role in the severity of the incident, and the CFA’s ability to contain and bring the fire under control so quickly prevented even greater damage.”
The fire hit Haines Hunter’s moulding section, but the majority of moulds remained undamaged. A small number were lost or affected, and the company has plans to rebuild them. The survival of most moulds means Haines Hunter can resume production of its core model range once the factory is rebuilt, rather than starting from scratch.
Investigation Continues
WorkSafe and the Environment Protection Authority have been notified. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities examining both what started the blaze and why parts of the building collapsed during firefighting efforts.
The incident only affects Haines Hunter Australia’s operations. Haines Hunter in New Zealand, a separate entity, continues to operate normally.
Haines Hunter will spend the coming weeks and months rebuilding the factory, but the company sees this as more than just restoration work. Management plans to use the rebuilding process to strengthen operations rather than simply replacing what was lost.
“During this time, we will also be strategically planning our best options moving forward, using this moment not just to recover, but to strengthen our operations and position Haines Hunter for an even stronger future,” Haber said.
No timeline has been announced for full operational recovery. The company acknowledged the process will take time but said its focus is on resuming production as quickly as possible while ensuring rebuilt facilities meet modern manufacturing standards.
Community Support
Haber thanked customers, dealers, suppliers, and the boating community for support following the incident.
“We have been deeply touched by the overwhelming support we have received from fellow fishermen and boaters, our customers, dealers, suppliers, and the broader community,” Haber said. “Your messages of encouragement, offers of help, and understanding during this time mean more to us than words can express.”
The response reflects Haines Hunter’s established position in the Australian market, where the brand has spent decades building fibreglass fishing boats popular with recreational anglers.
Moving Forward & What This Means for Customers
Customers awaiting new boats and dealers expecting stock face likely delays as the company rebuilds. The fire’s full impact on production schedules and existing orders hasn’t been confirmed yet.
Haines Hunter said it will provide updates as rebuilding progresses, though specific timelines for resuming full production haven’t been announced. Whether the company can maintain any level of operations depends on the extent of damage beyond the moulding section and whether alternative manufacturing arrangements can be secured during rebuilding.
Haines Hunter positioned the incident as an opportunity to rebuild stronger rather than simply restoring what existed before the fire.
“Haines Hunter has always been built on resilience, craftsmanship, and community, and those values will guide us through this recovery,” Haber said. “We thank everyone for their patience, support, and belief in our brand as we move forward.”
The company promised updates as rebuilding progresses. The fire represents a significant challenge for the established Australian boat builder, but the preservation of most moulds and strong industry support provides a foundation for recovery.
Customers, dealers, and suppliers seeking specific information about orders, deliveries, or business operations during rebuilding can expect further updates as plans solidify in the coming weeks.
