Fire destroys lawn mowing business Costin Hire at Main North Rd, Willaston, devastating owners

Fire destroys lawn mowing business Costin Hire at Main North Rd, Willaston, devastating owners POLICE REPORTER BEN HYDE THE ADVERTISER JANUARY 12, 2014 2:38PM SHARE 1 A firefighter douses a hot spot from a suspicious fire that gutted Costin's Hire on Main North Rd, at Willaston early on Sund... A firefighter douses a hot spot from a suspicious fire that gutted Costin Hire on Main North Rd, at Willaston early on Sunday morning. Pic: Tait Schmaal. THE owners of a longstanding Willaston business have been left gutted by an arson attack that has destroyed the premises. Fire crews were called to Costin Hire, a lawnmower repair and hire business on Main North Rd, about 5am today. They arrived to see a plume of thick black smoke and flames leaping high into the air. The fire spread quickly from a workshop at the back of the building to the front. It took two hours for about 50 Metropolitan Fire Service and Country Fire Service firefighters to contain the blaze, and a further six hours to extinguish hot spots and mop up. Devastated business owner Derek Myers talks to a police detective after a suspicious fire gutted his Costin's Hi... Devastated business owner Derek Myers talks to a police detective after a suspicious fire gutted his Costin Hire business at Willaston. Pic: Tait Schmaal. There were signs of a break-in at the property, and police are treating the fire as suspicious. It is understood CCTV footage from the business also shows suspicious activity. Derek and Leanne Myers have owned the business for about the past seven years but it has been a fixture in Willaston for about half a century. The original building is believed to date back to the late 1800's. The suspicious fire destroyed Costin's Hire on Main North Rd, Willaston, causing an estimated $500,000 damage. P... The suspicious fire destroyed Costin Hire on Main North Rd, Willaston, causing an estimated $500,000 damage. Pic Tait Schmaal. Derek and Leanne Myers' son, Nathan, 21, said the fire was devastating. "That whole building is our family livelihood up in flames," Mr Myers said. "It keeps our family afloat - it's devastating," he said. "My dad is not really coping well with the whole situation. (The business) is his life. Damage to the lawnmowing repair and hire business was extensive. Pic: Tait Schmaal. Damage to the lawnmowing repair and hire business was extensive. Pic: Tait Schmaal. "The amount of effort that's gone into building it to what it is today, it's just devastating for us." Mr Myers said it was hard to comprehend why someone would want to set the business on fire. He said there had been recent criminal activity in the area. "We've had recent burglaries and the deli across the road was ransacked last week," Mr Myers said. "But why someone would burn down our business, we are not really sure." The property has been destroyed and damage has been estimated at $500,000. Mr Myers said the business was insured, but the fire would leave employees out of work. Gawler Police Sergeant Andrew Pomeray said there were signs of a break-in at the business and the fire was being treated as suspicious. "This would be completely devastating for the owner, particularly if it does turn out to be a criminal matter," he said. Sgt Pomeray said police were making follow-up inquiries with witnesses, including two young men who called the fire in, in an effort to locate any offenders. "We are particularly interested in anyone who was in the Main North Rd, Willaston, area between about 4am and 5am," he said. "Anyone going past who may have witnessed other people in the area or seen something that may have been of value to us. "We ask anyone who may have any information to contact Crime Stoppers." The intensity of the fire and a build up of oils and fuels associated with years of machine repairs is hindering efforts to establish if an accelerant was used to start the fire. MFS northern commander Alan Fisk said the blaze was intense and nearby gas and acetylene cylinders also posed a risk to firefighters. "When our crews first arrived, there was smoke and flames coming out everywhere," he said. "There was a lot of thick black smoke, a lot of flame coming out of all the windows and through the roof of the structure, as well as the front. "It was a very, very hot-burning fire, very intense and very difficult to combat. "It's been very difficult because it's a lawnmowing business, with a lot of machinery, and lawnmowers ... a lot of fuel oils and petrol." Main North Rd was closed between the Willaston Bridge and Redbanks Rd while fire crews mopped up today. ======================== THE public is invited to have its say on a new development which will turn a well-known Willaston business site, which was destroyed by fire, into an allied-health service. http://www.bunyippress.com.au/new-plan-for-costins/ New plan for Costin’s General February 17, 2016 feb17_2526 THE public is invited to have its say on a new development which will turn a well-known Willaston business site, which was destroyed by fire, into an allied-health service. Costin Mowers was reduced to rubble and ash on January 12, 2014, when a suspicious fire broke out in the rear workshop and spread to the roof space and front showroom. It took 50 metropolitan and country firefighters about two hours to contain the fire, which was estimated to have caused $500,000 worth of damage. Since the blaze the site has laid dormant for more than two years, but Gawler Mayor Karen Redman confirmed council had received a development application following talks with the “owner and prospective tenants/purchasers”. “Following recent on-site meetings and the development of a proposal and plans, a development application to restore the heritage frontage of the structure has been received by council,” Mrs Redman said. “This development application also entails the development of a new building behind the existing historic façade. “New car parking and landscaping is also proposed.” The development plans are available to view on Gawler Council’s website, with interested representations to be submitted by February 24. The application was submitted by T. Wilson, with the owner listed as V.M. Costin, and states it is for a change of use from a service-trade premises to consulting rooms at an estimated cost of $300,000. ===================== COMMENTS 1 comment Sign in2 Post comment as... To comment or reply, please login or create an account. Newest | Oldest | Top Comments Zak Zak Jan 12, 2014 This is extremely devastating for Gawler and Willaston, first Bushies now Costins LikeReply ============================================= Residential & Commercial Real Estate Investment, South Australia Certainly fire and flames brings profits from Insurance Claims, DAC Approval and Continue funding 50% from Council's budget as we all have to pay for a private business approval. Certainly after fire, the structure worths nothing, restoration will cost more, which council will recover by raising levies and rates. Like · Reply · 16 mins .. Wendy Mansfield Wendy Mansfield Build something there by all means...but do we really need another health clinic/ doctors rooms etc? Unlike · Reply · 12 · 23 hrs .. Elizabeth Day Elizabeth Day Yeah I noticed that too. Perhaps the area is being primed for an influx of displaced persons?? A dumping ground for the poor?? Closure of rural hospitals further out in the country?? Like · Reply · 4 hrs .. Residential & Commercial Real Estate Investment, South Australia Write a reply... .. Coleen Jaensch Coleen Jaensch Anything would be better than what it is now! Also, the something needs done with the derelict building near the bushies and the stone walls on lyndoch road and high street. Don't care if it's heritage listed it's such an eyesore! Like · Reply · 7 · 23 hrs .. Residential & Commercial Real Estate Investment, South Australia Residential & Commercial Real Estate Investment, South Australia Certainly fire and flames brings profits from Insurance Claims, DAC Approval and Continue funding 50% from Council's budget as we all have to pay for a private business approval. Certainly after fire, the structure worths nothing, restoration will cost more, which council will recover by raising levies and rates. Like · Reply · 16 mins .. Residential & Commercial Real Estate Investment, South Australia Write a reply... .. Marie Miller Marie Miller Well after my girl friends family home was razed to the ground at 48 East Terrace I don't give a damn anymore because nothing is sacred in Gawler except development. Marie Miller's photo. Unlike · Reply · 2 · 18 hrs .. Nic Irvine Nic Irvine A local community shed hall that can be used for the organic farmers markets on Saturdays under shelter - so year round the market is running. On other days it can be used for community events, mothers group, playgroup, community garden, yoga & well being classes, cooking classes etc. like an expansion of the Food Forest, grow on their ideas & get the community involved in something that could benefit everyone & build community spirit. Unlike · Reply · 1 · 58 mins .. Michelle Pitts Michelle Pitts A health service would be great with the growing number of people moving into the area. Unlike · Reply · 1 · 6 hrs .. Heather Johns Heather Johns Instead of the Aldi going into Gawler green that you already can't get out of the car park maybe they could set up shop in willaston? Unlike · Reply · 1 · 4 hrs .. Amy Harris Amy Harris Kmart! are you kidding me..... Target is a White Elephant!! there isnt enough space for a Bloody Kmart..... Unlike · Reply · 2 · 16 hrs .. Sarah Hill Sarah Hill So this won't work in that spot but a kmart in gawler would do very well! Unlike · Reply · 14 · 23 hrs .. Glenys Roberts Glenys Roberts Wouldn't we all love a Kmart. Like · Reply · 22 hrs .. Sarah Hill Sarah Hill Yes exactly lol so many people want one in gawler saves me going to munno!! Like · Reply · 2 · 22 hrs .. Kate Matthews Kate Matthews Hells yeah! We'd never have to leave Gawler..can we start a petition? More jobs for Gawler residents Like · Reply · 19 hrs .. Sarah Hill Sarah Hill That's exactly right hun i seriously wouldn't need to leave gawler so many parents buy their kids clothes from there! Like · Reply · 1 · 18 hrs .. Kate Matthews Kate Matthews We definitely do! Like · Reply · 18 hrs .. Sarah Hill Sarah Hill Petition sounds great! Like · Reply · 18 hrs .. Sandra Sewell Sandra Sewell Kmart!put something like Adairs there. Kmart is rubbish Like · Reply · 5 hrs .. Residential & Commercial Real Estate Investment, South Australia Residential & Commercial Real Estate Investment, South Australia Why don't we lease it to China and HK and distribute profits to needy. Like · Reply · 9 mins .. Residential & Commercial Real Estate Investment, South Australia Write a reply... .. Bob Riddell Bob Riddell Yes its always worried me walking past it but would love to see the old facade stay. Unlike · Reply · 2 · 16 hrs .. Steve Cleland Steve Cleland Here we go more traffic problems.... Has Gawler actually done anything right with traffic? Unlike · Reply · 7 · 20 hrs .. Michelle Dunstan Michelle Dunstan oh come on steve there are lights at every intersection thats the only solution we need (apparently)... wink emoticon Unlike · Reply · 3 · 19 hrs .. Marie Miller Marie Miller This I have yet to see Steve! Unlike · Reply · 1 · 18 hrs .. Residential & Commercial Real Estate Investment, South Australia Write a reply... .. Hel Hoogland Hel Hoogland really, we have enough medical centres in Gawler Unlike · Reply · 4 · 23 hrs .. Kathryn Csordas Kathryn Csordas What ever gets built please make sure there is adequate parking available Unlike · Reply · 3 · 20 hrs .. Glenys Roberts Glenys Roberts Stupid place right after the bridge to put something like that, sorry but who's idea was that Like · Reply · 2 · 22 hrs .. Julie Attard Julie Attard Just clean the sight up already !!! And no not another medical centre !! How bloody many do we need in this town ??? Unlike · Reply · 3 · 16 hrs .. Carol Case Carol Case what about getting out with the traffic ???? Like · Reply · 2 · 23 hrs .. David Hinsley David Hinsley How come not being reinstated by existing owners Unlike · Reply · 2 · 21 hrs .. 1 Reply . Michael Squires Michael Squires pleanty of room put a otr there and hj and wendys as well bugger the rest. ! Unlike · Reply · 1 · 19 hrs .. Michael Squires Michael Squires rebuild a place to fix my lawn mower Unlike · Reply · 1 · 19 hrs .. Joan Peterkin Joan Peterkin Is it being demolished? Surely the remaining walls will always smell of smoke! Unlike · Reply · 1 · 21 hrs .. Greg Bartsch Greg Bartsch A Kmart would go well here in Gawler. Gawler doesn't really need anymore medical clinics Unlike · Reply · 1 · 18 hrs .. Karen Stewart Karen Stewart Peggy tell dad they may finally be doing something about the building lol Unlike · Reply · 1 · 14 hrs .. Teresa Lane Teresa Lane Allied Health is not just another doctors surgery.. Gawler needs it. Unlike · Reply · 1 · 14 hrs .. Alicia Jade Kerr Alicia Jade Kerr It's Heritage don't do anything a very long time ago it was a fish a chip shop my grandparents use to own Unlike · Reply · 1 · 1 hr .. Clare Hillyer Clare Hillyer Would love a Kmart, but not enough room.. Parking etc. Unlike · Reply · 1 · 8 hrs .. Adam Dear Adam Dear Great idea! Hopefully they include some kind of mental health service with it Unlike · Reply · 2 · 23 hrs .. Liz Bakker Liz Bakker Mental health is pathetic in SA... Wish it was better but it's not frown emoticon Unlike · Reply · 4 · 23 hrs .. Adam Dear Adam Dear Too right Liz Bakker! Unlike · Reply · 1 · 23 hrs .. Annmarie Perry Annmarie Perry Pathetic is an understatement. Unlike · Reply · 1 · 23 hrs .. Residential & Commercial Real Estate Investment, South Australia Write a reply... .. Tessa McArdle Tessa McArdle Maureen Cloak I think we talked about this the other day Unlike · Reply · 1 · 22 hrs .. Rashidah Johnson Rashidah Johnson Marlinda James see more kmart lovers lol Unlike · Reply · 1 · 17 hrs .. Kate Matthews Kate Matthews We need a Kmart. End of discussion Unlike · Reply · 4 · 19 hrs .. Lennii Giannii Lennii Giannii Better have some decent parking Like · Reply · 2 · 23 hrs .. Glenys Roberts Glenys Roberts wheres parking. Unlike · Reply · 3 · 23 hrs .. Rick Brook Rick Brook Parking will be an issue!! Unlike · Reply · 2 · 21 hrs .. Sarah West Rowe Sarah West Rowe No more medical centres please. Unlike · Reply · 2 · 20 hrs .. Deb Kowie Deb Kowie It is a very busy stretch of road Unlike · Reply · 1 · 22 hrs .. Merissa Lloyd Merissa Lloyd Car park? Unlike · Reply · 1 · 23 hrs .. Andrew Paroczy Andrew Paroczy Who owns it now? Unlike · Reply · 1 · 15 hrs .. Residential & Commercial Real Estate Investment, South Australia Residential & Commercial Real Estate Investment, South Australia Ms. VALMAI MAUREEN COSTIN Like · Reply · 2 mins .. Residential & Commercial Real Estate Investment, South Australia Write a reply... .. Val Slater Val Slater Ray and Karen Unlike · Reply · 1 · 23 hrs .. Kylie Bottrill Kylie Bottrill Rick Unlike · Reply · 2 · 19 hrs .. Tamara Walker Tamara Walker Peter Rowell Unlike · Reply · 1 · 23 hrs .. Emily Backshall Emily Backshall Julie Barbaro Unlike · Reply · 1 · 23 hrs .. Write a comment... ======================================= This may also interest you Fight with locals brews over Vic sky rail Recipe of the Day: Pan-cooked pizza Stra­te­gies for a comfor­table reti­re­ment Sponsored Melb Port lease could be ready this week Islamic State abducts 400 Syrian civilians Take advan­tage of falling markets Sponsored What to Look for When Buying New Sunnies Ad Doctor behind chemo bungle still working Skyrail plan for busy Melbourne train line A calendar guide to managing your money Sponsored Got a Home Loan? You Need to Read This! Sponsored Former regulator says State Government ministers... 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