Suspicious blaze rips through North Adelaide building adjacent to iconic Oxford Hotel

A suspicious blaze ripped through an iconic North Adelaide building co-owned by a prominent businessman.

Fire next to North Adelaide’s iconic Oxford Hotel Saturday 27th July 2024 Picture: 7NEWS

A suspicious fire ripped through an iconic North Adelaide building co-owned by a prominent businessman on Saturday morning, causing $3m damage.

Dozens of firefighters rushed to the building next to The Oxford Hotel, which closed last year, after thick smoke was seen billowing from the roof of the heritage-listed building about 7am

The fire started in a property co-owned by prominent businessman Walter Ventura, who is currently overseas with his family, 7NEWS reported.

The property that was previously an NAB building then a wine bar called The Bank was targeted during a violent rampage two weeks ago, according to 7NEWS.

“The firefighters responded quickly, they conducted the attack swiftly, which allowed them to restrict the damage to the affected areas of the accommodations in the back and preserving the hotel itself,” Metropolitan Fire Service control commander Chris Castle said.

Mr Castle added no one was found on the premises during the incident although they have received reports of squatters staying on the second floor of the building.

Police are treating the fire as suspicious.

Fire at a North Adelaide building co-owned by businessman Walter Ventura on Saturday 27th July 2024 Picture: Brenton Edwards

Fire has broken out in a building next to North Adelaide’s iconic Oxford Hotel. Picture: Dasha Havrilenko

Blaze erupts at building next to North Adelaide's Oxford Hotel. Picture: Dasha Havrilenko

Businessman Walter Ventura. Picture: The Advertiser

#BREAKING North Adelaide’s iconic Oxford Hotel up in flames this morning. Fire crews and police are on scene @9NewsAdelpic.twitter.com/GICJH9LgRQ

— Inga Neilsen (@inga_neilsen) July 26, 2024

Adelaide CBD resident Cheryl Crabtree, 59, said she had been among the first to see the fire break out and witness emergency services arrive on scene shortly afterwards.

“My friend and I were just walking along O’Connell St when we saw some smoke but we didn’t think much of it, and then we heard sirens and then saw fire trucks arrive,” she said.

“The firefighters just kept on coming, I stopped counting after six or seven appliances.

“I’m hopeful that there isn’t any major structural damage.”

Detours were in place on O’Connell St, between Archer and Gover streets but they have since been lifted.

Originally published as Suspicious blaze rips through North Adelaide building adjacent to iconic Oxford Hotel