General News
9 October, 2024
Horsham blaze destroys popular meeting place, Farmhouse Cafe' destroyed
Horsham community wakes to a devastating cafe' fire overnight
As dawn broke over Horsham on Wednesday morning the extent of the damage to the Farmhouse Providore and Cafe' by fire overnight was evident. It was destroyed and several business close by had suffered damage to stock and buildings from fire, falling debris, smoke and water.
The usually busy hub of morning workers was instead a scene of devastation. Emergency services were busy as they maintained the fire site and assessed the safety of the area.
After learning her business premises had been destroyed in the early hours of the morning Farmhouse Cafe' owner Sharon Keating was simultaneously reassuring customers her staff would be at Cafe' Jas to welcome them for their morning coffee and the Farmhouse Cafe' would be back as soon as an appropriate site had been found.
On her facebook site she said, "We won't be out of action long and until then we will see your smiling faces at Cafe' Jas."
Emergency services were called to a fire at 54 Firebrace Street on Wednesday, October 9 at 2 am.
Spokesperson for the CFA said, "CFA was called to a shop fire just after 2am on Firebrace Street in Horsham. Firefighters found the building was well alight on arrival.
As a result of the fire it was thought two neighbouring shops had received some damage at the time.
The CFA spokesperson said there are no reported injuries as a result of the fire.
"The incident was brought under control at 5.57am but the scene was not deemed safe at that time," they said.
"The cause of the fire would be investigated when safe to do so."
However spokesperson for Victoria Police said, "The fire in Firebrace Street Horsham was not being treated as suspicious."
"Seven CFA units attended the fire supported by FRV crews," spokesperson for the CFA said.
Fire crews from Horsham, Warracknabeal, Murtoa and Ararat attended the blaze. Fire rescue Victoria (station 67), SES Vic and HRCC also attended the blaze through out the early morning.
Two CFA trucks remained on the scene with police and HRCC staff maintaining the changes to traffic and pedestrian conditions as Firebrace Street remained closed between McLachlan and Roberts Avenue for the remainder of Wednesday.
"It will potentially remain closed Thursday too with only emergency vehicle allowed access," council spokesperson said.
Terry White Chemist, Exquisit and Abode Living were closed Wednesday as were The One Cleaning Services and Pebees hair Design. These business are either in the same building or adjoined to the main fire site.
One on-looker said, ' Well, on the bright side, that's what insurance is for, however insurance doesn't cover the emotional toll."
As the day progressed, HRCC advised the public the building would be demolished as soon as it was deemed safe to do so. The initial demolition was expected to begin early in the afternoon on Wednesday.
A small crowd gathered in Firebrace Street mid afternoon and and more gathered behind the affected building in Bradbury Park to watch the demolition.
The front of the building facing Firebrace Street was demolished first with additional precautions in place for the removal of the rear of the building to prevent potential damage to two adjoining businesses from falling debris.
The crowd, some emotional, watched the demolition experts position the crane which then hoisted two of them into the air in a metal basket, to begin some of the demolition work by hand.
Many businesses between McLachlan Street and Roberts Avenue remained closed on Wednesday either for safety reasons or due to street closures.
Farmhouse Cafe' owners also own Cafe' Jas so some of the staff are working there for the foreseeable future and they said they look forward to their customers calling in for their regular [coffee.]