Fire that destroyed Tas hotel accidental
The blaze that destroyed Tasmania's historic Bronte Park Lodge was accidental, a fire investigator says.
The Friday morning fire took hold of the 75-year-old timber structure very quickly, with staff and guests forced to flee for their lives. Damage was estimated at a million dollars.
The hotel was completely destroyed but fire investigators were able to determine that the fire began in the wiring in the foyer ceiling.
Tasmania Fire Service regional investigator Andrew Emery praised the the staff who, when alerted by the fire alarms, quickly evacuated guests from the building.
"The fire took hold of the building quickly and if it wasn't for the prompt actions of the staff at the lodge following their pre-determined emergency evacuation plan, the result could have been a lot more devastating," Mr Emery said.
