Firefighters have been tackling a fire on board a derelict barge in King's Lynn.

Eastern Daily Press: Firefighters have been tackling a fire on board a derelict barge in King's Lynn. Picture: Chris BishopFirefighters have been tackling a fire on board a derelict barge in King's Lynn. Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

Seven crews from across West Norfolk were sent to the Nar Loop, next to the Boal Quay car park, where the wooden vessel has been grounded for more than 20 years.

They have been using main and hosereel jets to battle the blaze.

Eastern Daily Press: Firefighters have been tackling a fire on board a derelict barge in King's Lynn. Picture: Chris BishopFirefighters have been tackling a fire on board a derelict barge in King's Lynn. Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

The alarm was raised after smoke was seen coming from the rear of the boat vessel just after 1pm.

The barge was formerly used as a houseboat. But police said the vessel is believed to be derelict and there was no-one on board at the time the fire broke out.

Eastern Daily Press: Firefighters have been tackling a fire on board a derelict barge in King's Lynn. Picture: Chris BishopFirefighters have been tackling a fire on board a derelict barge in King's Lynn. Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)

The Nar Loop - once part of a more extensive river frontage and home to shipbuilding and the Lynn whaling fleet - is now an expanse of mud and reed, where a number of hulks have been left to rot.

Eastern Daily Press: Firefighters have been tackling a fire on board a derelict barge in King's Lynn. Picture: Chris BishopFirefighters have been tackling a fire on board a derelict barge in King's Lynn. Picture: Chris Bishop (Image: Archant)