A newly opened shopping centre in Lake Macquarie was forced to close its doors temporarily on Sunday afternoon following a fire in one of its cafes.
Emergency Response at Watagan Park Central
Fire crews were dispatched to Watagan Park Central in Cooranbong at approximately 3:30 pm on December 28. The call-out was in response to a small fire that had broken out within The Shed Cafe. Both NSW Rural Fire Service and Fire and Rescue NSW units attended the scene.
Upon arrival, firefighters found that all occupants had already safely evacuated from the cafe premises. They reported smoke emanating from behind a wall, indicating the location of the blaze.
Temporary Closure and Public Advisory
As a precautionary measure while emergency crews worked to contain the situation, the shopping centre management made the decision to temporarily close the complex. Shoppers and members of the public were advised to avoid the area during the response.
The centre, which had only been officially opened to the public on December 10, was closed for part of the afternoon. However, authorities and management were able to resolve the primary issue swiftly, allowing the broader shopping centre to reopen for business later that same afternoon.
Aftermath and Cafe Status
While the main shopping precinct resumed operations, The Shed Cafe remained closed to allow for necessary follow-up work and safety checks. The management of Watagan Park Central addressed the incident in a statement posted on social media.
"We are grateful for the quick response and thankful that everyone is safe," the statement read. "Thank you for your understanding."
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety protocols in public venues, especially during the busy holiday period. The rapid self-evacuation by cafe patrons and the swift emergency response were credited with preventing any injuries.
