Cause of fire still a mystery
19 February 2002

Police have been unable to determine the cause of the fire which destroyed the Quarantine station's hospital building and have referred the matter to the NSW Coroner.

Detective Senior-Constable Samuel Tinney, from Manly Davidson Local Area Command, thanked witnesses who had come forward to provide statements "No determination as to the cause of the fire has been reached and it will be a matter for the coroner to determine," he said.

Late Thursday week's blaze destroyed the 1933 building, which housed significant artifacts.

Senior Constable Tinney said it was understood the fire had started in the western side of the timber building and spread quickly. Most of the building was destroyed except for a small section on the eastern side.

Yesterday Opposition environment spokesman John Brogden stepped up his demands that Environment and Emergency Services Minister Bob Debus provide urgent funding for fire detection systems at the Quarantine Station.

This follows last week's revelations that either the hospital building nor the building destroyed by fire last October had smoke alarms installed.

Both buildings had internal fire extinguishers and the hospital building also had external hydrant.

"The NPWS, under the control of Bob Debus, has failed to install adequate fire detection systems in heritage buildings on the site," the Pittwater MP said. "It is simply not good enough to install a fire extinguisher in every building.

"The minister must take responsibility for this site and ensure the protection of these incredibly valuable buildings is made a priority."

A NPWS spokeswoman said a six week program of inspections and necessary work was now under way.

An electrical inspection was being conducted and fire protection systems and equipment were being checked, she said.

Asbestos was also removed and a conservation architect was assessing the fire damage.

A risk assessment of the entire site would also start this week.