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Local News
07 January 2025

Suspicious Blaze Engulfs Caulfield Racecourse Grandstand

Emergency services respond swiftly as police launch investigation following morning fire.

A suspicious fire broke out at Caulfield Racecourse early on Tuesday morning, prompting swift action from emergency services and police investigations. The fire, which erupted at approximately 6:20 AM, engulfed part of the grandstand at the racecourse located in Caulfield East, Melbourne.

Incident controller at Fire Rescue Victoria, Dennis Smith, highlighted the rapid response to the blaze, noting the deployment of up to 16 fire trucks and dozens of firefighters to the scene. Firefighters arrived on site to find the flames impacting the centre of the grandstand, described as a significant 200-metre by 100-metre brick structure.

"Thankfully no impact to the community and definitely no horses, which is great news," Smith stated during his announcement on 3AW Breakfast. Emergencies were managed efficiently, with the fire being brought under control by around 7:10 AM. There were no reported injuries, and the area was safely evacuated as crews worked diligently to extinguish the flames.

The situation escalated to a third alarm, indicating the seriousness of the incident. Eyewitnesses reported seeing substantial smoke rising from the racecourse, which was visible from several surrounding neighborhoods. Footage from local news networks showcased the grandstand as it was consumed by flames, raising concerns among community members.

Efforts by Fire Rescue Victoria were quickly complemented by the Victoria Police, who established a crime scene at the racecourse. A police spokesperson confirmed, "Police are investigating a suspicious fire at the Caulfield Racecourse." Details on the cause remain scarce, with the investigation underway to determine whether the blaze was intentional.

A Vic Emergency advice message was issued, warning residents of nearby suburbs—such as Ashburton, Carnegie, Caulfield, and Glen Huntly—about the potential risks associated with fire and smoke resulting from the incident. The advisory emphasized, "There is currently no threat to the community, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions," urging residents to keep updated on the situation's developments.

Traffic disruptions were expected as emergency crews and police worked at the racecourse, raising alarms for potential delays for commuters and residents alike. The investigation's progress remains closely monitored by the local authorities as they gather evidence and feedback from the community.

Melbourne Racing Club chairman John Kanga also provided insights on the fire, noting the significant impact it could have on upcoming events at the racecourse. With the safety of the community and the integrity of future racing events now at stake, the board is focused on ensuring all necessary safety measures are addressed.

Emergency services and police officials continue to collaborate efforts to provide updates to the public and are advising anyone with additional information related to the investigation to come forward. Authorities are hopeful the investigation will shed light on the circumstances leading up to the incident, ensuring the community's safety and preventing future occurrences.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant as investigations continue, with local officials reiterative commitments to keeping the community informed of findings from the incident.