Wantirna South fire: Fire destroys Big Watermelon warehouse
The manager of the Big Watermelon is vowing to rebuild after a huge fire ripped through the Wantirna South business.
Outer East
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A fire which gutted a local fresh fruit and produce warehouse in Wantirna South on Tuesday afternoon has left workers at the business devastated.
The fire began shortly after 3pm on January 17 as 12 CFA units as well as FRV crews battled scorching 36 degree temperatures and winds.
About 200 workers at the Big Watermelon business quickly evacuated the warehouse before the flames engulfed the structure.
“Some of the boys noticed flames coming out of the roof and quickly evacuated everyone,” manager Thomas Lamanna said.
“There was a lot of fuel for the fire to burn, I don't think fire brigade really had the chance to put it out.
“They were just trying to stop it spreading to the park across road and the trees.”
Plumes of black smoke filled the sky and an advice message from Vic Emergency was issued for Glen Waverley and Wantirna South.
The fire was brought under control about 5.25pm but the damage it caused to the massive 100m x 30m structure as well as the tight-knit community of workers will be felt for much longer.
On the verge of tears Mr Lamanna told Leader the business is working to help the workers who had to act quickly to escape the blaze.
“It’s day one but everyone’s working today and the ones that found it hard, we’re giving them support and making sure they’re okay but it was a tough day.
“We are the Big Watermelon family and we will stick together.”
The warehouse — which is used as a wholesale point and storage area for fruit and vegetables — was completely demolished and the cause of the fire is still unknown.
Mr Lamanna suggested it could have been sparked by an electrical fault, but nothing has been determined at this stage.
On Wednesday the retail store across from the warehouse on High Street Rd was up and running, with customers visiting the shop to show their support and pick up some groceries.
“We’ve had great community support — messages and a lot of people have shown they’re right behind us,” Mr Lamanna said.
The business is now in the process of adjusting without the warehouse to ensure they can still provide for their customers by bringing the wholesale sales to the back of the retail store.
“We’re going to replicate what we had out the warehouse out back here, it won’t be as big but we will make it work,” Mr Lamanna said.
“Thankfully no one got hurt and we’ll get back there. It might take a bit of time but we are a strong crowd.”
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