Karratha fire: Motel unit inferno causes $150,000 damage

A blaze ripped through a motel room in Karratha Monday night, causing damage estimated at $150,000. Firefighters were called to the raging inferno, which sparked about 6.30pm, at the Karratha Tavern lodgings along Bond Place. Police said the unit was attached to accommodation at the Karratha Tavern, with dozens of firefighters called to battle the blaze, which engulfed one unit in a set of five. Nearby units were evacuated, and it took 15 minutes to bring the fire under control with firefighters extinguishing the blaze by 7pm. The one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit was completely destroyed by the inferno, with the neighbouring donga receiving smoke damage. The area was cordoned off with tape on Tuesday morning, and the dwelling was completely blackened by the fire. Inside was destroyed, with parts of the roof dangling from the ceiling. The doors and glass of the unit were burnt beyond recognition. A spokesperson for the Department of Fire and Emergency services said “loud explosions” and “shattering glass” could be heard coming from the unit when it was engulfed in flames, and luckily no one was inside at the time. They said the damage bill was expected to be in the $150,000 range. Police are investigating and anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online.