Originally published August 5, 1996
ARSON squad detectives are still uncertain of what caused a fire that destroyed two buildings in Mildura’s main thoroughfare, causing an estimated $2 million damage.
The Australia Post private mail collection and a two-storey video store near the corner of Deakin Avenue and 8th Street were reduced to a rubble after fire raced through the buildings about 6.30am on Saturday.
An arson chemist from the Victorian Forensic Science Centre was still sifting through the rubble late yesterday and arson squad detectives are expected to arrive today.
Firefighters worked for most of Saturday trying to extinguish the blaze which is believed to have started above the Mildura Post Office private mailing centre.
Both the Australia Post building and the Movie Busters video outlet were gutted by the fire and it is expected that both will be demolished.
Victoria Police Arson Squad Forensic detectives requested that the scene remain intact and arrived from Melbourne late yesterday.
Mildura Criminal Investigation Bureau detectives attended the scene and spoke briefly to the owner of the Movie Busters building and Australia Post staff.
Insurance investigation assessors were also at the scene yesterday.
Staff from some of the damaged buildings were visibly distressed as they watched in disbelief from only metres away as the fire raged.
Hundreds of videos, computer arcade games and computer equipment from the Movie Busters store were incinerated in the fire.
Mail items which arrived at the Mildura Post Office and transferred to the mailing centre early Friday were burnt, while the rear section of the Lunch Box take-away outlet, on the south-eastern side of the mailing centre, was also damaged.
All district firefighters were requested to respond to the alarm and about 50 fire personnel battled for almost two hours to control the blaze, however the chemist shop did suffer some minor damage.
At the height of the fire, the front window section of the Lunch Box exploded onto the footpath area.
Mildura Fire Brigade personnel were at the scene on and off for more than 20 hours, returning to the area after smouldering wooden beams and floorboards re-ignited.
Fire crews didn’t finish mopping up at the site until 2.30am yesterday and returned late in the day.
Heavy equipment was used to dismantle sections of the buildings, in a slow and tedious operation to ensure public safety.
Police were stationed as the site overnight and continued to block off Carter Lane between 8th and 9th Streets and part of Deakin Avenue.
Police initially cordoned off the area bounded by 7th and 9th Streets, Deakin Avenue and Madden Avenue and all access lanes.
As the fire was contained, police removed most road blocks and secured the immediate area with barriers.
Smoke, with a distinct plastic smell, could be seen from several kilometres away, billowing across the city.
Hundreds of people gathered throughout the day to take a look at the remaining shell of the two buildings.
