By Kath Gannaway
THE Woori Yallock Hotel has burnt to the ground overnight.
Devastated residents and employees were on the scene early this morning to find nothing left of the pub which has been a hub for the community but mangled tin, bricks and ash.
Hillcrest CFA captain Fiona Burns told the Mail the first call came in at 3.16am this morning (Saturday), phoned in by a passerby.
She said the fire was fully involved when the first units arrived. Twenty appliances were called in, including the specialist ladder unit from Dandenong and the Yellingbo CFA Rehabilitation unit.
Between 60 and 80 fire fighters battled to bring the blaze under control and Ms Burns said she expected they will be on the job for the better part of today and tomorrow.
“At this time we’re providing the owner and his family with support,” she said.
“Early indications are that it is intention to rebuild,” she said.
As CFA members inspected various parts of the building Ms Burns said no cause had been identified.
A local resident who had spoken to the owner, said he was devastated.
“It’s a sad thing. It’s a good little pub, a good community pub … everyone meets here.
“It’s devastating.”
For the full story, see Upper Yarra Mail on Tuesday.
