Much of the Vulcan Street building, including the roof, was damaged in the fire on Thursday (4 September). Photo: Fire and Rescue NSW.
Moruya residents and businesses are coming to terms with the news of an alleged arson attack in their town.
Emergency services were called to Vulcan Street just after 2:40 am on Thursday (4 September).
It took multiple NSW Fire and Rescue and NSW RFS units several hours to extinguish the fire, which destroyed two business premises, including real estate agency LJ Hooker Moruya’s office.
In a statement, the agency thanked emergency services for their efforts.
“Not only did they battle the flames, but they also managed to save the buildings on either side of ours,” a spokesperson said.
“While it is heartbreaking to see our building of many years gone, our team is safe, and we’re already up and running from our Batemans Bay office and have already secured a new office space in Moruya.”
On Thursday, a police spokesperson said the fire was under investigation and was being treated as suspicious.
State Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland expressed his shock, saying the alleged arson attack had no place in the community.
“While I can’t speculate on the circumstances of this incident, I want to assure the community the police are thoroughly investigating this and I have spoken with the Minister for Police’s [Yasmin Catley] office to express my concerns,” he said.
“The alleged motive behind this horrific arson attack shows how necessary the Minns Labor Government’s crackdown on illegal tobacco is.”
Eurobodalla Shire Council Mayor Mathew Hatcher described the alleged arson attack as “deeply disappointing and devastating”.
“These are hardworking people who have invested their time, money and energy into building livelihoods on the South Coast, only to see it lost in an instant,” he said.
“Preliminary reports suggesting the cause may be arson make this loss even more distressing. Deliberate acts of destruction not only hurt the business owners, but also their staff, customers, and the wider community who rely on them.”
Councillor Hatcher urged the community to support their local business.
“I know the resilience of our region runs deep, but this incident is a reminder of why we must continue to stand together, support each other and ensure authorities have the tools they need to keep our communities safe.”
It’s a statement echoed by another business, Moruya Electrical Supply Co, which sent good wishes to those affected.
“MESCO history goes up in smoke and we would like to thank everyone for their support and messages.
“We moved away in 2014 but hold so many great memories from 4 generations.”
The police are also calling for anyone who has dashcam footage or further information to come forward.
They are interested in footage from anyone who was driving in the area between midnight and 1 am on Thursday.
