A well-known Brookvale surfboard business has been completely destroyed by fire, with investigators now working to determine what sparked the blaze that ripped through the premises on Sunday evening.
Rhino Laminating, located at 42 Orchard Road, is regarded as one of the country’s premier custom glassing facilities, offering surfboard manufacturing, repairs and custom board services to the Northern Beaches surfing community.
Fire and Rescue NSW crews responded to reports of the factory fire shortly after 5.15pm on Sunday, 23 November. First responders from Dee Why station spotted a large column of black smoke and immediately called for additional resources.
Twelve fire trucks carrying 40 firefighters rushed to the scene, with crews from Dee Why, Manly, Forestville, Narrabeen and Mona Vale stations attending. Northern Beaches police closed surrounding streets and moved people away from the danger zone.
Two people were inside the building when the fire broke out – the business owner working alongside his 15-year-old son. Both managed to escape, though the teenager suffered superficial burns to his hands.
NSW Ambulance paramedics treated the boy at the scene before taking him to a nearby brewery where staff helped cool his burned hands with fresh running water. He was later transported to Royal North Shore Hospital in stable condition.
The fire proved difficult to control due to highly flammable materials stored at the premises. Flames broke through the roof and threatened neighbouring businesses, including a paint factory. Firefighters set up the Ladder Platform truck from Manly station and ran multiple hose lines whilst remaining outside the structure.
The intense heat caused the roof to collapse and set an outbuilding alight. Large volumes of water used to fight the blaze created a new hazard, with potentially contaminated runoff flowing toward nearby drains.
A specialised hazmat crew from Alexandria was called to establish containment booms across Greendale Creek to prevent toxins reaching Curl Curl Lagoon. Water testing showed no unsafe contamination levels had entered the creek system.
The fire was brought under control by 6.30pm, with all flames extinguished by 8pm. The factory was left completely destroyed, along with numerous surfboards, wetsuits and manufacturing equipment inside. Most crews departed by 8.30pm, leaving Lane Cove and Hornsby stations to monitor for any reignition.
Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said the cause remained unknown and would be investigated. He noted they received approximately 40 triple zero calls reporting the fire.
Authorities confirmed on Monday morning that SafeWork NSW and Northern Beaches police are examining the circumstances of the blaze. The NSW Coroner will also receive a report, as is required for fires causing significant property damage.
The Fire Investigation and Research Unit has been assigned to the case due to the intensity of the blaze making it challenging to determine where the fire started.
Business owner Juan Twycross founded Rhino Laminating out of a passion for finely crafted surfboards, establishing the facility to serve board shapers working with various designs and finishes. The company worked with several respected shapers and offered custom board painting and traditional glassing techniques.
The community has rallied around the affected family as investigations continue.
Published 24-November-2025
