Arson ruled out of restaurant fire
A fire at a Bendigo restaurant is no longer being treated as suspicious.
Investigations into the fire that gutted buildings at the Garden for the Future buildings including restaurant Omari Bendigo, found the fire was likely caused by an electrical fault.
"An arson chemist assessed the scene and the fire is being treated as non-suspicious," a police spokesperson said.
Police were called to Hamelin Street to reports of flames coming out of the roof.
The fire caused significant damage to the conference facilities at the venue and impacted the [Omari Bendigo] restaurant's operation," City Director Presentation and Assets Brian Westley said.
"We will work with [Omari] to identify how we can assist the business to get back up and running as soon as possible."
It is currently too early to determine an estimate for the damage as investigations continue.
A GoFundMe page has been started to raise money for the Omari owners.
"There are still staff to try and pay, but they will also need to issue refunds for several planned events that can no longer go ahead," the fundraiser description read.
Omari Bendigo will stay closed "until we receive further instructions on how to proceed", it said in a statement.
"Operating is not feasible while the area is assessed.
"Unfortunately, we do not have any further information at hand and we will work with local authorities."
Three fire crews brought the blaze under control in around 30 minutes.
Jonathan Jackson, 22nd February 2024
