DFES extinguish ‘suspicious’ Batavia Motor Inne fire as Geraldton mayor urges owners to get on with demolition

Another rubbish fire was sparked inside the derelict Batavia Motor Inne after fencing was installed to secure the site, but the site remains open while some rough sleepers continue to squat there. Department of Fire and Emergency Services were called on Saturday, March 4 to attend a fire located within a unit of the derelict site about 3.48pm. A DFES spokesperson said two crews were sent from Geraldton Fire and Rescue Services and arrived just before 4pm. The crews found a mattress and clothing on fire in an empty unit at the derelict apartments and extinguished the blaze by 4.07pm. The spokesperson confirmed the fire was deemed suspicious and Geraldton police attended the scene. City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn, who also lives next door to the site, said it was disappointing after the installed fencing resulted in a successful reduction in antisocial behaviour and was beginning to see a “slow return to poor behaviours”. “The gates being locked open at first sent a message that demolition was imminent and most folk moved on. However, with no further on-ground action folk seem emboldened to return,” he said. “Having structure fires at a single building in our CBD is a real blight on our wonderful transformation into a vibrant coastal city and the owners need to progress demolition.” This is the fourth reported fire at the Batavia Motor Inne since November last year.