Police investigate ‘suspicious’ factory fire at old Gillies Pie Factory

By Whitney Harris
Updated November 7 2012 - 4:00am, first published September 30 2010 - 11:33am
UNDER CONTROL: Crews battled a first-floor blaze at the old Gillies factory on Garsed Street yesterday afternoon. Picture: BRIAN SEMMENS
UNDER CONTROL: Crews battled a first-floor blaze at the old Gillies factory on Garsed Street yesterday afternoon. Picture: BRIAN SEMMENS

A FIRE that ripped through the first floor of the old Gillies Pie factory in Garsed Street yesterday is being treated as suspicious.Fire investigators were onsite yesterday afternoon investigating the cause of the blaze, which police say was “definitely deliberately lit”.“It is certainly being classed as suspicious,’’ Sergeant Pauline East said.“The fire investigator has been unable to establish how it started, but suffice to say it couldn’t possibly have started on its own.’’Firefighters were called to the derelict building about 1.30pm after a fire broke out in the first floor and roof. It is believed crews had to force entry through the front doors before gaining access to the flames.A CFA spokesman said a small section of the upstairs area was well alight when crews arrived shortly after 1.30pm, but the fire was under control within minutes.The fire is believed to have caused $10,000 damage to the historic building.Sergeant East said asbestos in the roof cavity hampered the clean-up and posed a health risk for those involved.“The fire was confined to the top floor, but what compounded the issue was that there was asbestos through the ceiling,’’ she said.The Environment Protection Authority visited the site last night.Several motorists witnessed flames creeping through the broken windows on the first floor of the building and called triple 0. It is believed a popping sound could also be heard before the blaze broke out.Sergeant East said the old building was often the target of vandals and that the point of entry or the cause of the fire would be difficult to ascertain.Anyone who was in the area around 1.30pm and saw a person or group of people acting suspiciously should contact the Bendigo crime investigation unit on 5448 1370 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Reports can also be made online at www.crimestoppers.com.au

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