NT Fire and Rescue Service investigators conclude Darwin RSL blaze was ‘not suspicious’

THE fire which destroyed the Darwin RSL was not suspicious, and started in the roof cavity of the building

The fire-gutted Darwin RSL on Cavenagh Street. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

UPDATED: THE fire which destroyed the Darwin RSL was not suspicious, and started in the roof cavity of the building, NT Fire & Rescue Service Station Officer Anthony Miles said on Friday afternoon.

The top floor will likely need to be totally rebuilt, but the bottom storey may still be saved, he said.

He said the damage bill was likely to be in the millions — not including the loss of income for its owners

EARLIER: NT Fire and Rescue Service investigators expect to conclude their investigation on Friday into the fire that ripped through the Darwin RSL.

It’s understood insurance inspectors will finish their investigation of the site in the coming days as well.

The fire broke out at the Cavenagh St building in the early hours of Sunday and was brought under control about 4.30am.

Due to the intensity of the fire, investigators were not able to enter the site until late Sunday.

Darwin RSL’s support services are now operating at Palmerston while the branch continues to pick up the pieces.

Darwin RSL Sub Branch president Bob Shewring kept quiet on Thursday when asked about a potential new home for the social club.

But on Monday, Mr Shewring met with Paspaley Group executives.

The Paspaley Group owns the vacant Vic Hotel in the Smith St Mall, which has been touted as a potential new location. Mr Shewring would also not comment on the extent or cause of the fire.

Mr Shewring said the organisation’s priority had been to relocate advocates and welfare support services and provide support to the RSL’s workers.

“We have been in close contact with our staff and support is in place for both permanent and casual employees,” Mr Shewring said.

GET FULL DIGITAL ACCESS TO THE NT NEWS FOR JUST 50C A DAY

“We are extremely grateful to the hospitality businesses which have offered these employees ongoing work.”

Sub Branch vice president Dr Keith Joseph said the support and offers of help from the community had been overwhelming.

“We’re collating offers of support and we will address each offer over coming weeks, but this will take some time and we ask for patience as we come to grips with the fire,” he said.

Darwin RSL members have been offered temporary membership at the Darwin Trailer Boat Club and the Buff Club.