Freeling Pharmacy closure to have significant impact on local community
The Freeling community near the Barossa Valley has lost its only chemist after a blaze ripped through the store, leaving a $300,000 damage bill.
SA News
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A fire has torn through a small town pharmacy racking up a $300,000 damage bill and leaving the community without a chemist.
Country Fire Service crews were called to the Freeling Pharmacy on Hanson St in Freeling around 8am on Wednesday.
On arrival, 30 firefighters were met with a huge amount of smoke but were able to save an adjoining op shop and pizza shop.
Local cafe owner John Cavuoto said the community relies on the pharmacy everyday.
“It’s the only chemist around here, the nearest one is 10-15 km away,” he told 7NEWS.
The fire has caused an estimate $300,000 in damage and the source of the blaze is believed to be an electrical fault in a power board near the counter.
No customers or staff were on the premises.
Pharmacy management took to Facebook to advise the customers the store will be closed until further notice.
“Please contact your doctor for a new prescription of any medications you may need,” the post read.
Landlord Peter Youde said it could be two months before the pharmacy is reopened.
“There are a lot of retired people and returned veterans living in this town,” he explained.
The building was erected in the 1890s and the town is known to be the home of Australian television favourite McLeod’s Daughters.
Meanwhile, police are investigating a house fire at Rosewater in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Around 3am, emergency services were called to an address on Henry St after the occupant of woke to the sound of a fire alarm and the smell of smoke.
The woman quickly fled and did not suffer any injuries.
Fire crews extinguished the blaze but the damage to the rear of the home was extensive.
Investigators are expected to attend the scene later on Wednesday to determine the cause of the fire.
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