Devastating loss of vital Korumburra business

THE community was left in shock after Korumburra Newsagency was largely destroyed following a devastating fire on Sunday, July 24.

The incident occurred at about 7.22pm and on arrival, crews found flames coming through the roof at the rear of the Korumburra Newsagency premises.

Korumburra CFA firefighter, Sarah Davies, lead the team that included 10 CFA vehicles with additional support from Fire Rescue Victoria.

“Korumburra Pumper arrived on scene first to the front of the premise,” Sarah said.

“Smoke was visible via the door and vent, but flames were unsighted.

“A member arrived at the rear of the building, and they could visibly see flames.”

On scene within minutes, Breathing Apparatus crews donned their gear and headed in whilst more appliances were paged from nearby brigades to the fully involved fire.

Supported by Leongatha and Ruby at the rear, crews managed to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings, with the fire coming under control at 9.27pm.

“The adjoining buildings only incurred smoke damage, but we were able to make sure the fire was contained to the one building; the rear roof has collapsed in,” Sarah said.

“Being a newsagency, it had the fuel load and was going.”

Bass Coast Group Rehabilitation Unit attended the scene alongside Morwell’s Fire Rescue Victoria Aerial Pumper and Bayswater BA.

“(The rehabilitation) we use to check (firefighters) heart rates and make sure people are rested, it is underrated and a really important piece of gear,” CFA Commander and Regional Duty Officer, Gavin Parker said.

“The aerial pumper has a thermal imaging camera mounted on the boom, so you can put it over the top, have a look and check again for fire extension and conditions – at roof level it certainly makes a safer environment.

“AV were notified, and we had excellent support from Victoria Police to block the traffic and secure the scene overnight until fire investigation had been completed.”

With suspected asbestos, South Gippsland Shire also attended.

Due to the heat and fire, firefighters also checked neighbouring properties and fortunately there was no fire extension or water damage into those properties.

“A really good firefight by all the crews,” Korumburra Brigade Captain, Shane Maskell added.

“It was very hot and intense, and visibility was near zero at the start due to the smoke and fuel load.”

Fire investigators attend the scene on Monday and are still determining the cause, however, the blaze is not being treated as suspicious.