Traralgon Library and Service Centre on Kay St to remain closed for the next three days due to suspicious fire

A Latrobe Valley library will remain closed over the weekend after a suspicious blaze tore through parts of the building.

Police have sealed off part of the Traralgon Library and Service Centre on Thursday during their investigation into a suspicious fire.

A Latrobe Valley library will remain closed over the weekend while police continue to investigate a suspicious blaze that ripped through parts of the premises.

Emergency services were called to the fire at the Traralgon Library and Service Centre on Kay St at 8.05pm on Wednesday.

A police spokesperson said no one was inside the building at the time.

“Investigations are ongoing into the cause of the fire, which is being treated as suspicious at this stage,” the spokesperson said.

A crime scene has been established and an arson chemist attended the scene on Thursday morning.

FRV firefighters in breathing apparatus, with the assistance of CFA, extinguished the fire and ventilated the building.

“The scene was deemed under control at 8.08pm,” an FRV spokesperson said.

The Traralgon Library has been closed while police investigate. Picture: Facebook/Latrobe City Council

A Latrobe City Council spokesperson said the fire was restricted to two small rooms — which would require remediation work — and no books were damaged.

“The Traralgon Library and Service Centre will remain closed as clean-up works continue, with plans to reopen the main library area on Monday August 19,” the spokesperson said.

“These areas will be made safe to allow the remainder of the building to reopen.”

The spokesperson added the accessible toilet would reopen on Friday.

A section of the library was boarded up after the fire. Picture: Jack Colantuono

“We appreciate the community’s understanding and patience during this time and look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday,” the spokesperson said.

Council extended their sincere thanks to the emergency services personnel and volunteer fire brigades for their prompt response.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or more information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000, make a confidential report online or contact the Traralgon police station on [phone].