CCTV shows cause of Guilford Young College fire in Glenorchy

Investigators have determined the cause of a fire which tore through a Hobart high school after inspecting CCTV. SEE THE MOMENT THE BLAZE BEGAN >>

An overheated car engine caused the fire which tore through Glenorchy’s Guilford Young College on Monday afternoon, school CCTV footage shows.

At the time there were nine vehicles inside the Trade Training Centre, where students tinker with car engines for their automotive classes.

A faulty car bursts into flames causing a blaze that burnt down an entire building at Guilford Young College (still from CCTV). Picture: Supplied.

A faulty car bursts into flames causing a blaze that burnt down an entire building at Guilford Young College (still from CCTV). Picture: Supplied.

“The engine compartment of a car caught fire a short time after it was driven into the workshop, and the fire quickly spread to the rest of the building, fuelled by gas cylinders, cars, and workshop and building materials,” said Regional Fire Investigator, Station Officer, Adam Doran.

“The fire was particularly difficult to control due to the high fuel load in the building. At the peak of the fire, five fire crews were in attendance with career crews supported by volunteer crews from the greater Hobart area.”

Speaking in the aftermath the following morning, school principal Craig Deayton said it seemed like the fire was a “freak accident”.

Mr Deayton said the school was working around the clock to ensure the students could return to school on Wednesday.

A faulty car caused the fire at Guilford Young College, the school principal says. Picture: Kenji Sato

He estimated around 40 people were on campus at the time of the fire, but none of them were inside the affected Trade Training Centre.

Mr Deayton said the damage would undoubtedly be in the millions of dollars, but was simply grateful that nobody was seriously harmed in the fire.

“These are difficult circumstances, but one of the things about adversity is that it brings people together.

“I would say also that the work of Tas Fire is beyond all praise. The courage and professionalism and skill of these men and women is just outstanding.”

Guilford Young College Principal Craig Deayton in the aftermath of the school fire. Picture: Kenji Sato

Mr Deayton said at this stage they did not know whose car it was, nor what caused the engine fault.

Regina Street resident Rabin Maharjan was driving to work on Monday afternoon when he saw smoke pouring out mere metres away from his house.

Fire at Guilford Young College in Glenorchy

The Metro bus driver said he was thankful for the quick actions of Tasmania’s firefighters.

“I was driving to the Glenorchy bus mall when suddenly I saw through smoke the main road. It was really terrible,” Mr Maharjan said.

“I was so worried about those fires because it’s nearby my home. I’m glad that none of the residents or students were injured.”

Aaron Blizzard was driving home when he saw a raging fire burning next to his house. Picture: Kenji Sato

Guilford Young College students studied remotely on Tuesday, but are asked to return to campus on Wednesday.

Some of the students will be taking their Trade Training classes in the Barrack Street campus, while others will be relocated to other classrooms in Glenorchy.

Regional Fire Investigator Adam Doran said the fire started in the car’s overheated engine compartment.

“The engine compartment of a car caught fire a short time after it was driven into the workshop, and the fire quickly spread to the rest of the building, fuelled by gas cylinders, cars, and workshop and building materials,” Mr Doran said.

“Fire crews contained the fire to the school’s trade training centre building and were successful in stopping it from spreading to other parts of the school, with the added support of Hobart Fire Brigade’s new aerial firefighting platform.”

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A faulty car caused the fire at Guilford Young College, the school principal says. Picture: Kenji Sato