By JESSE GRAHAM
A BLAZE caused by fireworks at Balgownie Estate last weekend has drawn outrage from Yarra Glen residents for its poor timing, and a change in policy from the apologetic venue.
A 40 square-metre fire erupted at Yarra Glen’s Balgownie Estate on Saturday 18 January at 9.15pm, after a suspected firework malfunction at a private function.
Resident Paul Keedle, who lives 500 metres from the venue, rushed to the scene with a 1000-litre tank on the back of his ute and worked to extinguish the fire.
Yarra Glen, Coldstream and Dixons Creek CFAs all attended, with five trucks and 25 members on the scene, but had trouble accessing the property, according to Mr Keedle.
He criticised Balgownie Estate’s Fire Risk Management Plan and said that, with the fifth anniversary of Black Saturday looming, people were still on edge when it came to fires.
Balgownie Estate general manager Gerald Ackroyd apologised on behalf of the venue, but insisted that all proper procedures had been followed before the malfunction, including consultation with CFA and notifying neighbours.
He said the venue would implement new policies immediately, including a ban on fireworks during summer.
For the full story, see tomorrow’s edition of the Mail.
