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Inspector Maggie Deal confirmed police and the rural fire service attended the fire scene at 2.40am on Monday.
“The fire was contained to the rear shed,” she said.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
EARLIER:
What was meant to be an exciting day for the Junee Hotel began with a heartbreaking knock at the door.
The shed behind the hotel on Seignior Street was burnt to the ground around 2am this morning, Monday November 20.
Owner, Garth Sutherland said $30,000 worth of brand new outdoor furniture was incinerated in the blaze.
“I’ve never cried in all my years here until now,” Mr Sutherland said.
The hotel is in the middle of a major refurbishment, and was due to open to the public today.
“I’ve got people here putting new floors in, of all days for this to happen,” he said.
“I’m just so shattered, I’ve never been this shattered.”
Police attended the scene but could not be reached by The Southern Cross for comment.
The kitchen is closed this evening as a result of the incident but will reopen tomorrow.
Although shaken and angry, the staff are determined to reopen as soon as possible and encourage the community to come check out the revamped premises tomorrow.
More to come.