General News
11 October, 2024
Cafe owners promise a swift return
The owners of Horsham's Farmhouse Providore and Cafe have assured the community they won’t be down for long after fire tore through the Firebrace Street premises in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Ten units from CFA Horsham and Warracknabeal, and Fire Rescue Victoria, arrived on the scene at around 2am after passersby alerted emergency services to the fire.
CFA District 17 assistant chief fire officer Mark Gunning said the first storey of the building was already “well alight” when emergency services arrived, and that the fire was burning through the roof.
Crews battled to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to other main street stores, and deemed the incident “under control” at 5.57am.
Owner Sharon Keating took to social media soon after this to assure the community the popular venue wouldn't be out of action for long, and that all future catering orders would still be filled.
"We are very sad to inform our wonderful customers that a fire has destroyed our cafe overnight,” Ms Keating wrote.
"Much thanks for the support."
Ms Keating and her husband Matthew are well known for their support of local producers.
They took over the business formerly known as Farmhouse Deli, back in March 2021.
"Some of our team will be working at Cafe Jas over the next however-long, while we find a new premises,” Ms Keating wrote on the business’ Facebook page.
"We won’t be out of action long, and in the meantime we will see your lovely faces at Cafe Jas.”
No injuries have been reported.
Mr Gunning said the cause of the fire was yet to be determined and that it would be some time before investigations were completed.
Neighbouring store Exquisit reached out to customers through social media later to say the store had experienced a total loss of stock due to smoke and water damage.
“Unfortunately we are sad to say that we have lost everything due to the smoke, fire and water,” they wrote.
“We want to thank everyone for the love and support we are currently receiving.
“It has been a shock to all of us. Our thoughts are with Sharon and the team at Farmhouse, and all the other businesses affected.”
Horsham Rural City Council released a statement on Wednesday afternoon informing the community that the area would remain closed to vehicles and parking to allow emergency services access, and pedestrians would have no access to Bradbury Lane and parts of the west side of the street.
“Initial demolition is planned for later today, which may affect pedestrian access," it said.