A mysterious fire has claimed the historic and closed Farmer’s Home Hotel in Matong, with Riverina authorities currently investigating.
Ganmain Police received the call that the 100-year-old pub was on fire on Wednesday. Fire crews battled the blaze, but conceding it was too far gone workers executed a controlled demolition of the building, which had become a safety concern, as embers still smouldered and smoke continued to rise from the site.
Detectives from Wagga Wagga station attended the scene to begin investigations, which will involve speaking with people and seeking witnesses or footage of the fire, as well as their forensic examination of the debris.
Inspector Vergarno advised PubTIC they can list no suspects at this stage, but that the fire is certainly being treated as suspicious.
Records show the pub’s licence was cancelled in July 2016, Keith Neumann licensee.
It is understood the Hotel’s roof was blown off during a severe storm earlier this week.
Termora Council reports the company that owns the property is in liquidation. It has been in a dispute for some time over proposed reparations from stormwater run-off that were said to have flooded the pub’s basement.
More information as it becomes available.
