$80k fire damage bill for tourist complex

A BELOVED Cradle Mountain accommodation complex has been dealt a significant blow, with an accidental fire in the early hours of Monday morning causing $80,000 worth of damage.

A Tasmania Fire Service spokesman said crews were called by a guest of Cradle Mountain Wilderness Village, located at 3816 Cradle Mountain Rd, who could “smell smoke and hear a fire alarm sounding in the main reception building”.

The call was made at 2.15am with crews from Sheffield, Wilmot and Claude Road arriving about 3.10am.

The fire, which has been deemed accidental, was within the kitchen of the village’s on-site restaurant, Hellyer’s Restaurant, Bar and Lounge.

The spokesman said the fire had crept into the roof cavity by the time crews had arrived. It had been extinguished, with no ‘hot spots’ remaining, by 4.50am. The damage to the kitchen was estimated at $80,000.

A notice on the village’s website said Hellyer’s would be “closed until further notice”.

“We had an unfortunate fire incident which has caused damage to our Hellyers Restaurant,” the notice said.

“We appreciate your understanding and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Village assistant general manager Anusha KC said the fire didn’t “completely” burn down the kitchen, but it “affected the property a lot”.

She said she didn’t know how long repairs would take, but it would be a “good month for sure”.

KC, who lives on-site, said she was woken by TFS officers when they arrived at the village to fight the fire.

“It was a bit stressful,” she said.

KC said she was unable to provide pictures of the damage, as the building had been cordoned off.