Approximately 1:18am on Thursday the 30^th of November 2023, Tasmania Police and Tasmania Fire Service were advised of a structure fire at 103 Blair Street, New Norfolk.

When emergency services arrived a short time later, the abandoned building was well alight. The fire is still burning within the building and Tasmania Fire Service are actively monitoring it.

The building is owned by the government and has been abandoned for some time, however, the Derwent Valley Council is currently the caretaker of the building.

The cause of the fire is undetermined at this stage; however, it appears suspicious and will be investigated. The damage caused by the fire is estimated to exceed $500,000.

Anyone with information relating to the fire or suspicious activity in the area around the time of the fire is asked to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via their website https://www.crimestopperstas.com.au/