Big blaze destroys Goldfields landmark

Monty's Kalgoorlie Fire. Picture: Mary Meagher/The Kalgoorlie Miner

The future of a well-known Kalgoorlie-Boulder nightspot is unclear after fire gutted the landmark, leaving the owners with a potential million-dollar damage bill.

The fire at Monty’s Restaurant on Hannan Street broke out about 5pm on Saturday in a unit at the back of the heritage-listed building.

The blaze quickly spread to the cafe’s storage area and threatened an accommodation block next door.

Witnesses said the flames moved rapidly, with some windows blowing out after the fire spread to the building’s power board.

“A girl who was staying in the unit came out looking worried, then went back in and suddenly the flames were everywhere,” one woman said. “She was freaking out, so I stayed with her… there were lots of little explosions and bangs.”

About 25 career and volunteer firefighters fought the fire as staff and customers fled. Smoke was visible across the city.

Kalgoorlie Fire and Rescue station officer Martin Cable said early estimates put the damage bill between $750,000 and $1 million.

“The power board that we normally isolate in fires straight away was in the section that caught fire, as well as the gas,” Mr Cable said. “Sparks were flying off… there was definitely the potential for electrocution.”

It took more than an hour to contain the fire. No one was injured.

Arson squad detectives arrived from Perth yesterday to inspect the site.

Owners Jay and Wayne Kemp were driving out of town when they learnt of the fire. Inspecting the damage yesterday, Mrs Kemp was philosophical. “I’ve been in hospitality for 20 years now and it teaches you how to deal with stressful situations,” she said.

Mrs Kemp said they had insurance.

Source:  West Australian Rregional - 13th July 2015