A community hall known as ‘The Shack’ in Upper Plenty has been lost to fire early this morning.
CFA arrived on scene shortly after 3am Thursday to find the century-old building well alight.
Wallan Fire Brigade Third Lieutenant John Tuddin said firefighters were able to stop the spread of the fire quickly.
“When we arrived the building was engulfed, and partially collapsed,” he said.
“Our focus was on protecting surrounding trees and buildings and we were able to save the playground and toilet block.
“Unfortunately the single storey weatherboard building was destroyed.
“It’s a terrible loss for the community. It was often used as a community meeting place,” John said.
The former Mechanics Institute Hall was built in 1914.
Four crews from Wallan and Wandong worked quickly to bring the blaze under control within half an hour.
A fire investigator has been called in to help determine the cause.
Author: CFA Media