IT should be business as usual for the Inglewood night markets next week despite Bunnings burning to the ground last night.
The Inglewood store caught fire about 9pm late last night during the summer markets, causing about $5 million damage.
Markets ambassador Vince Garreffa told the Guardian Express this morning next Monday’s markets should not be impacted and praised emergency services.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“I had just gone home when I got an urgent call about the fire,” he said.
“Emergency services were so quick and people were worried about the toxicity in the air but people were evacuated to the library centre.
“The stallholders were pretty switched on and evacuated pretty damn fast.
“(The Bunnings block) will be a gruesome sight, but the market will go ahead as usual.”
He said one section at Seventh Avenue usually blocked off by the markets was turned into a command base for emergency services.
“It is not often that citizens get to see that in action,” he said.
Mr Garreffa suggested Bunnings would not be back on Beaufort Street.
“We have lost an icon,” he said.
“I would bet money that it wont be back.
“I think with some careful planning (for the site), Inglewood could get a big boost in he next 10 years.”
Store staff to work in other Bunnings locations
BUNNINGS Inglewood staff will be relocated to other warehouses and offered counselling after last night’s blaze.
A Bunnings spokeswoman said the staff of about 40 people would be supported.
“We are continuing to support all team members and they have been offered counselling,” she said.
“Over the coming weeks, all team members will be redeployed to nearby stores including casual team members for their rostered hours.
“Working with our team over the coming weeks is a top priority.
“We have short and long term opportunities across our WA network and will work with the team to ensure they are well supported.”
The spokeswoman said sausage sizzles were not held at the Inglewood warehouse, so none were scheduled for next weekend.
MORE: Bunnings Inglewood fire: clean up underway after fire at night markets
MORE: Sex Assault Squad detectives investigate sexual assault in southern suburbs
MORE: City of Stirling to ramp up security after skateboard stunt at Scarborough Beach Pool
MORE: Man fined for threatening rowdy party with samurai sword