A fire has completely destroyed the abandoned Gold Coast home of the Australian version of Big Brother, with six youths arrested.
Emergency services were called to the abandoned building just after 2pm on Saturday, with about four urban fire trucks and two rural trucks on scene. The adjacent Dreamworld theme park was not threatened but the fire sent thick plumes of smoke into the air.
“It appears to be a very large fire and rural truck appliances are there to supply more water,” a Queensland Fire and Emergency Services spokeswoman said.
“Initial investigations indicate that the fire is suspicious and police are appealing for anyone with information which could assist them with their investigations to come forward,” she said.
Police said the fire was not posing a risk to other property.
Firefighters had the blaze under control and were dampening down the area about two hours after the initial call.
#BREAKING A large plume of smoke can be seen rising into the air beside Dreamworld. Fire crews are enroute.
— QLDNews (@QLDNewsAU) June 22, 2019
Reports the Big Brother house is on fire at Coomera. pic.twitter.com/6PFf7p3HFc
A Dreamworld spokeswoman said the theme park was operating as usual despite the nearby fire.
“There is visible smoke coming from that area but not enough to stop rides,” she said.
The smoke coming from the house could be seen from kilometres away. Picture: Jared Farrow and Hayley ExpositoSource:Supplied
“There was an announcement over the system to let visitors know the smoke was nearby and there’s no cause for concern.
“The Big Brother house is not in Dreamworld but it’s on land owned by the Queensland Investment Corporation.”
The reality show’s famous “mansion” on the Gold Coast has fallen into disrepair since the series ended in 2014, with video shot recently in the grounds uncovering a derelict hellhole fallen into disrepair.
