Onlookers, museum volunteers and city officials have watched on in horror as firefighters responded to a blaze at Busselton’s iconic and beloved Old Buttery Factory Museum this afternoon.
The fire was reported at 4.02pm and crowds soon gathered at the adjacent vacant block on Peel Terrace, looking on in disbelief as smoke billowed from the second storey of the building.
The extent of the damage and cause of the fire is unknown at this stage, but volunteers at the scene said they believed the exhibits on the second floor of the historic building were lost.
Visibly distressed volunteers told the Mail the second floor was home to a parlour room, which had recently been refurbished and housed beautiful wedding dresses from the Bussell era as well as many treasured photos.
Two weeks ago, The Old Butter Factory’s celebrated its centenary with an official ceremony for former workers and families and a community open day.
Volunteer Allen Scott, who worked the gate at the celebrations, said it was a tragedy.
“I never thought something like this would happen after only just having the celebration,” he said.
“There were many important things in there, a full kitchen, items that are a 100 years old, wedding dresses.
“There was a hell of a lot and it’s all gone.”
At approximately 5.45pm, firefighters asked onlookers to clear the area.
Busselton Police were diverting traffic around Peel Terrace.
At the 100 year celebrations, WA minister for heritage David Templeman praised the efforts of the Busselton Historical Society and the City of Busselton to promote heritage in the region and maintain the factory.
Prior to the event, The Old Butter Factory Museum treasurer Nola Angus told the Mail the museum held a special place in Busselton’s heart.
“The Old Butter Factory is so unique and iconic, Busselton is very lucky to have such a historical building,” she said.
The Old Butter Factory opened in 1918 and in 1926 was purchased by South West Dairy Produce Co-operative.
The building now houses the Busselton Historical Society and Busselton Museum, which opened in 1975.