Firemen battle the blaze at Springers Leisure Centre in Keysborough.Courtesy of Keith Pakenham — CFA Strategic Communications
By Emma Sun
A FIRE at Springers Leisure Centre on Cheltenham Road in Keysborough last week caused damage estimated at $350,000.
Springvale fire brigade’s senior station officer Robert Benning said the fire started in the storeroom of one of the stadiums and caused considerable damage around that area.
“There was lots of badminton gear in the storeroom, as well as timber seating that had been moved from the stadium,” Mr Benning said.
“The fire damaged the external facade of the building and some of the flooring in the court area.
“The roof the storeroom needs to be replaced completely.”
Mr Benning said the incident started when workers at the centre saw smoke coming out through the vents in the roof of the main building and called Triple-Zero.
“We couldn’t get in the back of the building because the door was secure so we broke in through the side front doors to gain access to the fire,” Mr Benning said.
Four fire vehicles were present at the scene, with two from the Springvale fire station, one from Dandenong and one from Noble Park.
Around 16 fire-fighters battled the fire for more than half an hour.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
Springers Leisure Centre will re-open for business on 17 January.
