By Callum Ludwig
Warburton Pharmacy could easily have been another casualty of the fire that ripped through the old Warburton IGA building in the early hours of the morning of Tuesday 14 June.
The pharmacy only suffered minor electrical damage and scorch marks and was without power for most of that day.
Proprietor of the Warburton Pharmacy Hamish Lou said he found out about the fire on his drive to work that day.
“I got a text from the old owner letting me know I’ll be getting a call from the fire brigades at about 7.50am and I got there at about 8.30am and was breifed on the situation,” he said.
“It was upsetting because we had lost power and didn’t have it for that day, which just messes everything up.”
An arson chemist visited the scene yesterday afternoon and a Victoria Police spokesperson said the fire was being treated as suspicious and will be investigated by Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit
Mr Lou said he was pretty calm and focused on getting the pharmacy up and running again, but was grateful for the CFA’s efforts.
“We just had to try to get started as soon as possible and we had a generator going and everything,” he said.
“I’m incredibly grateful that the pharmacy is still here, it’s a miracle and I’m just really grateful for what CFA crews have done, they did an amazing job.”
Police are seeking any dash cam footage or any person who witnessed anyone in the area at the time to contact Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit on 9739 2401.
