CFA, MFB bring large blaze at Balgownie Estate in Yarra Valley under control

The restaurant and cellar door of a Yarra Valley winery have been destroyed after an out-of-control fire spread from the kitchen and ripped through the venue. The estate had only just reopened to diners after the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

The restaurant and cellar door of the Yarra Valley’s Balgownie Estate were gutted by fire. Picture: Laura Armitage

The restaurant and cellar door of the Yarra Valley’s Balgownie Estate winery have been destroyed after an out-of-control fire ripped through the venue.

Rae’s Restaurant was hours from reopening for the day when the fire took just before 11am and spread to the dining room and cellar door, causing millions of dollars in damage.

It comes after the venue was forced to close amid strict coronavirus restrictions and only recently reopened to customers on June 5.

Healesville police Sergeant Stuart Thomson said chefs were preparing meals for the reopening later today when they noticed a small fire in the range hood.

Sgt Thomson said it quickly spread to the roof.

Flames shoot from the roof at Balgownie Estate. Picture: Supplied.

Smoke billows from Balgownie Estate after a kitchen fire at the Yarra Glen winery and restaurant. Picture: Channel 7

The eatery has suffered damage estimated to be in the millions of dollars. Picture: Channel 7.

CFA District 13 commander Tim Holland said the cellar door and restaurant had been completely destroyed.

He said more than 40 firefighters were on scene from across the Yarra Valley, Croydon and Ringwood.

Fire investigators are now working to determine the cause of the fire.

Smoke plumes could be seen billowing from the estate in surrounding areas.

All 21 Balgownie Estate staff are safe and accounted for, with 13 fleeing the scene.

Dark smoke plumes billow from the restaurant. Picture: Supplied.

#BREAKING Fire at Balgownie Estate in Yarra Glen, emergency services crews on scene, staff are all accounted for and safe @StarMailNews pic.twitter.com/Lfw2Kn7x4u

— Romy Stephens (@romysteph) June 25, 2020

Balgownie Estate said there were no customers inside the restaurant or cellar door, or anyone staying at the on-site accommodation, at the time.

Ambulance Victoria remained on standby at the scene.

More than 14 CFA crews and supporting MFB firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control by 12.54pm.

The structure of the restaurant remains intact, but the fire has significantly damaged parts of the kitchen, restaurant and dining room.

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