General News
29 August, 2024
Mystery blaze: investigations continue into 'suspicious' Olde Horsham fire
police advise the motel fire on Western Highway no longer suspicious
Updated Information
Victorian Police have advised they have completed their investigation into the fire at a motel on Western Highway in Riverside on August 26 and the fire is not being treated as suspicious as was previously thought.
Earlier Report
An investigation is underway after an iconic Horsham institution caught fire this week, which Victoria Police are treating as "suspicious".
Emergency services were called to a fire at the historic Olde Horsham Motel on Monday, August 26.
A CFA spokesperson said crews were called to the Riverside business just before 6pm.
"CFA responded to reports of a building fire at around 5.50pm on the Western Highway in Riverside, Horsham, on Tuesday August 26," the spokesperson said.
"Eight CFA units from Horsham, Green Lake and Wonwondah attended the scene alongside Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria and the relevant power company.
"Crews arrived to find several motel rooms impacted by fire and worked to bring the situation under control.
"The incident was deemed under control at 6.36pm and declared safe at 9.06pm."
Police remained at the scene and were in attendance on Tuesday morning.
On Tuesday, August 27, a Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed there was no injuries but an investigation is underway.
"Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the fire, which is being treated as suspicious at this stage," the spokesperson said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
The Olde Horsham Motel on the Western Highway was built and owned by the Mackley family and became an iconic attraction to the region over many years.
The land was purchased in 1974 and the Mackley family moved into the house on the property around Christmas 1975.
The restaurant was built in time for the opening for the Wimmera Machinery Field Days in 1978.
The Mackley family were avid collectors of valuable and eclectic items and these were sold from the cottage until the gallery was erected some time later.
Art and Antique dealers from Melbourne and Adelaide were regular visitors to the Horsham venue.
The Olde Horsham Motel has not been open to the public for several years.