The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday morning (27 August). Photo: Supplied.
A Wagga Wagga business has been damaged by fire in the early hours of Thursday morning (27 August), prompting a police investigation.
Emergency services were called to the Birdy Bar at 244 Baylis Street opposite Myer at about 3:45 am after reports of a blaze.
Officers from the Riverina Police District attended the scene alongside Fire and Rescue NSW crews, who extinguished the fire.
Fire and Rescue NSW Riverina Zone Commander Superintendent Stewart Alexander said crews responded to a triple-0 call in the early hours of Thursday morning.
“It was a very intense blaze, but fire crews did an excellent job preventing it from spreading to the buildings next door and bringing the fire under control in quick time,” he said.
He said the intensity of the fire meant 11 Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service (FRS) trucks were called in to assist, with crews travelling from Junee, Coolamon, Henty and Albury. A total of 50 firefighters fought the blaze.
The fire caused significant structural damage to the inside of the venue.
The bar appeared to be empty at the time of the blaze and there were no reports of injuries.
Nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution and there were minor disruptions for neighbouring dwellings.
The cause of the fire as not yet been determined, but NSW Police have established a crime scene and commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
A specialist Fire and Rescue team from Sydney is also travelling to Wagga Wagga to assist with the investigation.
Birdy Bar is a cocktail bar and tapas venue on Wagga Wagga’s Baylis Street, known for its live music and garden area. The venue operates across 244 and 246 Baylis Street.
It was opened in September 2023 after owners Chris Hawe and Chelsea Cleary transformed the former Birdhouse Bar and Kitchen in a four-and-a-half-week refurbishment. The venue was given a major makeover, including a new bar, seating and outdoor areas.
Anyone with information on the fire that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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