Owners of food supply warehouse gutted by fire vow to rebuild to repay community

THE owners of the warehouse that went up in flames on Wednesday have thanked the community and emergency services for their support

Investigators at the scene of the factory fire in Woolner on Thursday. Picture: KATRINA BRIDGEFORD

THE owners of the warehouse that went up in flames on Wednesday have thanked the community and emergency services for their support.

Posting on Facebook, the brothers Nelson and David Lay said how devastated they were to see their Asian United Food Service warehouse destroyed.

Nelson Lay

“The Lay family would like to express their deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to everyone that has offered support today,” the statement read. “We would like to thank NT Police Fire and the Emergency Services for their efforts.

“We are very shocked and sadden by what has happened, but our spirits have been lifted by the immense support we have received.

“We are extremely humbled and no words can express how grateful we are for everyone’s kind prayers, thoughts and well wishes.”

In the post the brothers stated they would rebuild.

“As a Phoenix rises from the ashes, we will rebuild and we will continue to service our home, the Territory.” Fire crews and investigators remained at the scene on Thursday assessing the damaged building.

An NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services spokeswoman said fire crews were still monitoring hot spots at the scene and it was still too dangerous to enter.

“NTFRS fire crews remain on site monitoring hot spots to limit any further damage to the building or fire scene,” she said.

“Due to severe damage to the structure, particularly roof collapse, size and subsequent hazards presented, access is limited at this point in time.”

The spokeswoman said there was no time frame for the completion of the investigation due to the extent of the fire. The cause of the fire is still not yet known. Another local food wholesale company, PFD Food Services, have asked hospitality vendors to shop local while AUFS got back on their feet.

PFD sales manager Tanya Hopkins said they were able to support both current and temporary clients while AUFS got back on their feet.