The 129 year old St Andrews Presbyterian Church in Numurkah has been severely damaged in an overnight fire.
CFA crews were called to the Saxton Street address, North of Shepparton, around 11.10pm on Monday (8 June).
It took 30 firefighters and nine trucks half an hour to bring the blaze under control. Breathing apparatus was used to get close to the flames. The close proximity of the century old St Andrews Hall, just metres away, made the operation more complex.
CFA Operations Officer Trevor Logan said firefighters had to set up an exposure line and put a sheet of water between the two buildings to save it.
“It’s believed the fire started in an office and spread quickly, extensively damaging the rear of the church. Half of the brick building may now have to be demolished,” he said.
CFA fire investigators and Victoria Police have been called to the scene.
“At this stage we’re treating the fire as suspicious due to recent activity in the area,” Mr Logan said.
Crews from Numurkah, Shepparton, Waaia, Katunga, Strathmerton, Naring and Wunghnu fought the fire.
Author: CFA Media