These pictures show the aftermath of a major fire on the Broads.

Firefighters from Norfolk and Suffolk were called to the River Chet between Loddon Marina and Pyes Mill Picnic Area at 3.20pm on Monday after thick plumes of smoke were seen rising into the air.

Two boats were purposefully sunk Two boats were purposefully sunk (Image: Phoebe Ozanne)

The incident commander for Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service said the fire started on one boat and spread to two others.

READ MORE: Pictures show damage after blaze at Barnham industrial estate

The commander added that efforts were being made to protect the nature reserve downriver.

The fire was fully extinguished by 5.40pm.

Nobody is believed to have been injuredNobody is believed to have been injured (Image: Michael Anderson)

Nobody is believed to have been injured but the new images show the surviving boat to be badly gutted, particularly on one side.

The quay heading is also badly damaged.

A floating rope is in place separating it from the rest of the river.

A Broads Authority spokesman said: "Please be aware that following a boat fire, there are three sunken vessels in the area upstream of Pyes Mill 24-hour mooring, two on the true left bank and one on the true right bank.

"Pollution control booms have been placed around the vessels along with lights.

"We request that you please exercise great care when navigating in the area and ensure that your boat wash is kept to a minimum where possible.

"The Authority will continue to monitor the area to minimise the risk of any resulting pollution and ensure that other river users can safely navigate past the scene slowly so as not to disturb the boom.

"We are liaising with the owners of the damaged boats which will be removed as soon as practically possible.

"The Authority understands that the fire started on a vessel that has an up-to-date boat safety certificate and those on board took the correct action of vacating the boat swiftly and calling emergency services once initial attempts to extinguish the fire had not improved the situation.

"Fortunately, no one was hurt.

"This incident highlights the need to remain vigilant and we encourage boat owners and hirers to visit the government website for helpful advice and guidance.”