It’s been closed since 1999 and until recently the Blayney Abattoir site has mainly just been both an eyesore, and a target for spraycan-wielding graffiti artists.
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This most recent fire though is the second in just four months to rip through the site, occurring as investigations continue into the earlier blaze on April 20.
Fire and Rescue NSW Acting Zone Commander Steve Evans said the fire had destroyed the old office building, and that residents needed to be aware of activity around the site.
“People have been getting into the area that could cause more incidences like this, and we ask the public to be aware of people hanging around the area and report it to police,” he said.
Chifley Police District Duty Officer Inspector David Abercrombie said the Hill Street premises had been empty for a number of years and the blaze was under investigation.
MAP: Where is Hill Street in Blayney?
“It’s been the victim of malicious damage and fires,” he said of the time since the site was closed.
“It’s possible the fire has been deliberately lit as the premises had no power.”
This most recent fire has left Blayney shire council wondering just what can be done with the site.
General manager Rebecca Ryan said that council had been handed the site to address a number of issues.
“Council has been asked to address issues related to the suspected presence of asbestos and the structural instability of the building,” she said.
“Council is seeking the cooperation of the property owner to take immediate action to address the potential risks.”
Council’s director of infrastructure services Grant Baker said council was putting together information regarding former incidents at the site.
“From our recollections there have been other fires at the site, so I’ve put in a request to FRNSW to get a chronological history on incidences up there that they have responded to,” he said.
Owner, former Lyndhurst resident Manny Caruana, was unable to be contacted for comment.
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