Fire closes Aireys Inlet cafe Mishka's, owners vow to rebuild

A devastating fire has forced the temporary closure of beloved Aireys Inlet cafe, Mishka's, just days are the business celebrated two years open.

Mishka Cafe closed on Friday, after a fire devastated the building’s interior. Photo: Aireys Inlet CFA

An Aireys Inlet’s cafe has been gutted by fire just days after the business celebrated two-years open.

Mishka’s Cafe closed on Friday, “with a heavy heart” after a fire tore through the building’s interior on Thursday afternoon, just hours after the cafe had closed for the day.

The owner, Misha Golaz, arrived to drop a few things off in the coolroom at 3.30pm and discovered the cafe “filled with smoke”.

“I noticed a heap of condensation on the windows inside, and I opened the door,” she said.

Billows of “black smoke” could be seen blowing towards her from inside the door.

Ms Golaz immediately called the CFA, and her partner.

“I called Rod Hamilton, who used to be with the CFA, and he came down,” she said.

“By the time the CFA arrived he had just put it out.

Aireys Inlet CFA, Anglesea Fire Brigade and Lorne CFA Fire Brigade rushed to Mishka Cafe closed on Thursday, after a fire tore through the building.Photo: Aireys Inlet CFA

“If it wasn’t for him, the whole thing would have gone up in flames.

“We would have lost the whole building.”

Aireys Inlet CFA, Anglesea Fire Brigade and Lorne CFA Fire Brigade all arrived moments later to help put it out completely and clean up.

She said they still didn’t know how the fire had started, but their priority was to get the cafe up and running as soon as possible.

The community had just celebrated the shop’s second birthday on Monday.

“We would like to thank the local CFA and surrounding stations for their incredible effort to keep our community safe and fight for our families pride and joy,” she said.

“We are determined to come back better than ever.“

Aireys Inlet CFA spokesman said the whole crew was thinking of the cafe.

Mishka Cafe in Aireys Inlet.Photo: Aireys Inlet CFA

“We know how much this local favourite means to the Aireys Inlet community, and we’re so thankful no one was hurt,” they said.

“From all of us at Aireys Inlet CFA, we’re sending our support as you navigate the days ahead.

“We know the community will rally behind you and can’t wait to see Mishka’s back on its feet again. ️”

Originally published as Fire closes Aireys Inlet cafe Mishka's, owners vow to rebuild