A TRIPLE Zero call from Urunga’s Anchors Wharf Café and Restaurant summoned multiple crews from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) on Monday evening, 3 May.

A statement from FRNSW said that crews responded to a fire at a two-level building in Bellingen Street, Urunga following a Triple Zero (000) call received at 6.25pm Monday, 3 May.

Fire crews arrived to find the ground floor of the building well alight.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze at around 9pm.

The ground floor of the building sustained substantial damage from the fire, which is believed to have originated in the kitchen.

NSW Police said in a statement that, “The building sustained significant damage, estimated to be more than $250,000.”

A crime scene was established by officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District and inquiries are now underway into the cause of the fire.

Anyone with information is asked to call Coffs Harbour Police or Crime Stoppers.

While no one was hurt in the blaze, the mood in the close-knit community on Tuesday morning was somber.

Anchors Wharf Café and Restaurant on the south bank of the Kalang River at Urunga is an institution, family owned and run by Denise and Steve Ryan who live in the village.

John Lewis, owner of neighbouring café, Boardwalk Café in Bowra Street, said, “Everybody’s talking about it this morning.

“Anchors Wharf is an icon.

“It’s been here for years, but give them a few months and we hope they’ll be up and running, bigger and better.”

 

By Andrea FERRARI