Macleay Valley Automotive owners, customers reeling after 42 vehicles lost in suspicious yard inferno at Kempsey

The aftermath of the apparent arson which sparked an inferno at a Mid-North Coast auto business has cut deep with people who lost vehicles, and the “devastated” operators.

T&L Motors owner Trevor Martin lost three vehicles in the inferno and a fourth may also be too badly damaged to use.

The aftermath of the apparent arson which cruelled Macleay Valley Automotive has cut deep with the people who lost cars in the blaze, which took out more than 40 vehicles.

A fire in grassland – thought to have been started deliberately – fanned into the Angus McNeil Crescent business late on Sunday afternoon.

In total, 40 cars and two trailers were scorched to the metal – but thankfully the business’ workshop was not impacted, according to the “devastated” owners Deanne Mitchell and her son Gianni Rigoni.

Police have not in any way suggested they are connected to the cause of the blaze.

Mr Rigoni said several grass fires were lit behind the shop – the third proving catastrophic.

Police have been contacted for more information as investigations continue.

Officers have appealed for witnesses or footage from the area.

Cars destroyed at Macleay Valley Automotive.

Trevor Martin, owner of retail car yard T&L Motors, had eight cars at the yard. He has lost three of them, maybe four.

Confirmed to have been gutted is an Alfa Romeo 147, Ford Mondeo and Nissan X-Trail. A Great Wall four-wheel drive dual cab was extensively damaged.

“Once the smoke gets into a vehicle you’ll never get it out,” Mr Martin said.

Most upsetting was the loss of the Alfa.

“I bought it for my son about a year ago and we did it up at home,” he said.

“It had a cracked manifold, but he went and got his Ls (learner’s licence),” Mr Martin said.

“It had red leather interior, a sunroof and everything worked on it – which was unusual for an Alfa.

“He was nearly in tears when we saw it (destroyed).”

Gianni Rigoni and Deanne Mitchell from Macleay Valley Automotive at Kempsey survey the damage after the fire ripped through their business. Picture: Chris Knight

Mr Martin said his cars were insured and his thoughts were with the family behind Macleay Valley Automotive.

“It’s just devastating for them. You couldn’t meet nicer people,” he said.

“They are great people, but you wouldn’t wish this on someone even if you didn’t like them.”

Mr Martin took to social media to express his sympathy for the family.

A suspicious fire tore through an automotive business in Kempsey, destroying more than 40 vehicles and leaving the owners devastated. Picture: Supplied

He also condemned the few on Facebook he said have been been putting forward untrue theories.

“It’s just a terrible shame,” Mr Martin said.

“Everyone says ‘you’re insured’, but I’ve still got to go around and find more cars (for his yard).

“Now I’m waiting for arguments with the insurance company as to what a car’s worth.”

Kempsey businessman Joshua Fairhall. Picture: Supplied

Fellow Kempsey businessman and independent state election candidate for the seat of Oxley Joshua Fairhall had two cars awaiting repair at the business.

By sheer luck, both were spared.

“The Ford Focus was in the other yard, which didn’t burn, and the Toyota Camry was inside being repaired,” Mr Fairhall said.

Mr Fairhall's Ford Focus was spared from the inferno. Picture: Supplied

“My two vehicles were uninsured because they are low value.”

Mr Fairhall said he bought the cars to do them up and “flip them” to raise money for campaign funding to contest the next state election.

He too expressed sympathy for the family-run mechanic business and other victims of the blaze.

“I can only speak for them professionally, but they’ve always been there to help me,” Mr Fairhall said.

“They are a decent family, hard working.”