Hunt for clues: Asbestos slows fire investigators
Saturday 9 February, 2002

Fire investigators and police forensic officers sifted through the charred remains of the Quarantine Station's historic hospital building yesterday searching for clues to the cause of the blaze.

Dressed in protective clothing and masks, the investigators scoured the rubble of the 119-year-old building trying to piece together the circumstances of the fire.

NSW Fire Brigades spokesman Inspector Ian Krimmer said the investigation would be a prolonged one due to asbestos in the building.

"The investigating officers have to wear protective clothing so it will take a bit longer than usual," he said.

Detective Senior Constable Tinney from Manly police said a cause had yet to be determined.

"It is understood the fire started in the western side of the timber building and spread quickly," Snr Constable Tinney said. "Most of the building was destroyed except for a small section on the eastern side."

He appealed for witnesses to contact Manly police on 9977 9499.

"Anybody who may have any information, no matter how trivial, please come forward. It's like a jigsaw puzzle - everyone has a different piece and we're trying to put it all back together."

Yesterday Opposition spokesman for environmental protection John Brogden called on Environment Minister Bob Debus to surrender his portfolio due to a "crisis of conference" in his ability.

"Mr. Debus is clearly too busy in his role as Attorney General and Emergency Services Minister to adequately look after the environment portfolio," Mr. Brogden said.

"He must had over the environment portfolio to a minister who can allocate more time to properly manage the National Parks and Wildlife Service and put an end to this seemingly endless series of bungles."

Mr. Debus retaliated by accusing Mr. Brogden of using "empty rhetoric and wild allegations".

"He clearly knows nothing about the Quarantine Station and the management of heritage buildings and in desperation will say anything for a three-second grab," Mr. Debus said.

The facts are the NPWS has spent $1.4 million over the past four years to maintain and conserve the 66 heritage buildings on the Quarantine Station site.

"A private security firm has been patrolling the site and National parks staff live on the station."

Doug Sewell, of Friends of Quarantine Station and the North Head Alliance, said the loss of the building was a real tragedy for the historic site.

"This is the second fir at the Quarantine Station in four months. It's a terrible indictment on the NPWS," Mr. Sewell said.

A Commission of Inquiry into the environmental aspects of Mawland Hotel Management's proposal to convert the North Head site into a tourism and conference complex begins on Monday. The seven-day inquiry will be held at level 13, 301 George St., Sydney from 10am.