Another suspicious fire has torn through an abandoned building in New Norfolk overnight, marking the latest incident in a series of recent attacks.
Firefighters found the old high school hostel on Blair Street, more recently known as Carinya Education Park, engulfed in flames when they arrived at the scene shortly after 1:15am on Thursday morning.
The fire was still burning within the building, which has been abandoned for some time and is a well-known target in the town, hours later at 6am.
The state government owns the building, which has been the subject of ‘repeated vandalism attacks’ in the last six months, however, the Derwent Valley Council is responsible for its maintenance.
Despite previous attempts, the council has been unsuccessful in returning the former education park back to the state.
Investigators from Tasmania Police say the blaze “appears suspicious” and warn the damage bill is likely to exceed $500,000.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Local MP Jen Butler called the attack “devastating” and thanked the firefighters who spent the morning battling the blaze.
READ MORE: MP Jen Butler says crime spike has left New Norfolk locals ‘living in fear’
“Devastating third arson attack on Carinya New Norfolk in a matter of months. Senseless & so demoralising for the community,” she said.
Anyone with information on suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
