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Blaze breaks out on fireworks barge

Blaze breaks out on fireworks barge

One of the barges used to launch fireworks at last night's Australia Day spectacular caught fire.

A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesman said $7000 damage was caused to the barge, which caught on fire about 10.30pm.

He said there were no fireworks on the barge when the blaze broke out.

Two crews wearing breathing apparatus fought the fire from Water Police and marine safety vessels.

"The vessels were part of the pre-determined response in place for the skyworks so they were already in position before the event," the spokesman said.

He said the cause of the fire was not known at this stage.