Massive Fire Engulfs Europe’s Biggest Surfboard Factory

Yesterday a fire broke out at the Olatu complex in The Basque country, engulfing the building in flames which took over five hours to extinguish.

Luckily all the workers at the factory, which makes Pukas, Lost and _ boards, were evacuated safely, however one is being treated in hospital for smoke inhalation. Five of the team of fire fighters working to contain the inferno were also taken to hospital to be treated for the same affliction.

Photo: Diario Vasco

The cause of the fire is still unclear, however many of the materials used to build boards are highly flammable, and it’s possible the soaring temperatures, which have caused forest fires in Portugal, were a contributing factor.

The company recently posted the following on their instagram: “Good news is everyone is safe. The fire might have taken a big part of our work and hearts, but we are standing still and willing to grow. Pukas is surf and we will surf.”

We’d like to extend our sympathies to them and wish them all the best in restoring the factory to its former glory.

Cover image: Pukas Surfboards