1.25pm
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Acting Inspector Bruce Simpson said police investigations will continue into an incident at the DHHS building in Queen Street today.
He said a woman attended the foyer in the DHHS building and did damage to the building and set fire to some items in the foyer.
The woman was arrested and taken to hospital for treatment.
"As a precaution the building was evacuated. CFA and other emergency services attended to help evacuate and make sure (the scene) was safe for everybody," Acting Inspector Simpson said.
"A crime scene is in place, and investagators are working through that to gather whatever evidence they need.
"We then anticipate the foyer (and street) will be opened very soon."
Acting Inspector Simpson said DHHS staff were very well organised.
"Any of these (type of) incidents are frightening but staff were well organised," he said.
"The staff did a fantastic job of evacuating, they had their emergency procedures in places and it ran really smoothly.
"We had incident management team meetings with the CFA (and staff). Everybody worked together really well and we were able to avoid a lot of confusion."
Acting Inspector Simpson said the investigation is ongoing.
If you need help, talk to someone you trust or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.
12.20pm
Detectives are now on scene at the building in Queen Street.
The fire has been marked as safe.
The department's staff are unaware when they will be allowed to re-enter the building.
Earlier
EMERGENCY services are responding to a fire in a building on Queen Street, Bendigo.
The incident started about 11.45am on Tuesday at the Department of Health and Human Services site.
Police and Country Fire Authority crews are on scene.
An ambulance is also attending.
The building has been evacuated and the fire is not yet under control. There is no visible smoke.
Queen Street has been blocked between Edward and Short streets.
A woman has been arrested at the scene.
More to come
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.