Fire in Melbourne disrupts wedding reception at historic chalet
A fire broke out at the historic Wattle Park Chalet in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Surrey Hills, Australia, on the day a wedding reception was scheduled. The blaze destroyed the building's roof and damaged a significant part of the main hall, so the venue's owners are seeking another location for the couple.
According to ABC News, emergency services were called to the chalet at about 6:32 a.m. By the time firefighters arrived, the building was already ablaze. The fire was brought under control shortly before 8:00 a.m., but the main hall sustained damage from flames, smoke and water.
About a third of the building damaged
Fire Rescue Victoria incident controller Callum Donoghue said that about 30% of the building was damaged. The fire affected the chalet's kitchen and service areas. Fire Rescue Victoria investigators are still determining the cause of the fire.
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Wattle Park Chalet owner Matthew Forsyth, who has owned the business for five months, described the scale of the destruction as significant, especially inside the hall. According to him, the venue has operated since 1928 and has hosted thousands of weddings during that time.
New venue sought for 110 guests
About 20 events had been scheduled at the chalet in the coming months, including a wedding reception on the evening of the fire. It had to be moved. Forsyth said he is contacting other venues to find a place for about 110 guests.
According to the owner, preparations for the wedding had lasted two days: flowers were already on the tables and the food was ready. He is coordinating the search for an alternative venue with the groom.
