UPDATED AT 9.45PM: A FIRE investigator will tomorrow (Sunday) attend the scene of the Circle Coffee House blaze to try to determine the cause of the incident. A police spokesman said the Circle St cafe was ablaze when emergency services arrived, and adjacent businesses had also suffered significant damage.
“The cause of the fire is undetermined at this stage and a fire investigator will attend the scene on Sunday to make an assessment,” police said. “Police are investigating the circumstances of the fire and wish to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the fire or have witnessed anyone acting suspiciously at the time of the fire.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit the Crimestoppers website. Information may be given anonymously.
Circle St was closed to traffic for several hours tonight but has since re-opened.
EARLIER: THE popular New Norfolk cafe Circle Coffee House has been gutted by fire this evening, leaving its owners devastated. The fire was reported at 5.20pm and on arrival the New Norfolk Fire Brigade found smoke billowing from the front of the shop while a fire raged at the rear roller-door.
The fire also damaged a section of the fence behind the New Norfolk Ambulance Station. The Magra and Bridgewater fire brigades also responded to the fire, along with New Norfolk Police. The locally-owned business has developed a loyal customer base since opening in 2019.
Tasmania Fire Service resources deployed to the incident included three heavy tankers, a medium tanker and a light tanker. As at 7pm, Circle St remains closed to traffic and motorists are asked to avoid the area.
