An abandoned historic building at the Millbrook Rise site in New Norfolk has been destroyed by fire in the early hours of Monday, October 5, 2026. The blaze, initially reported by ABC News, prompted a significant response from emergency services.
Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) crews were called to the Hobart Road property around 1:25 am, according to Pulse Tasmania. New Norfolk News reported the fire was first reported at 1:34 am, with brigades from New Norfolk, Magra, Molesworth, and Bridgewater attending the scene. Specialist aerial firefighting equipment was also dispatched from Hobart.
The fire engulfed one of the older buildings at Millbrook Rise, which Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis told Pulse Tasmania was “pretty much razed to the ground”. A smoke alert was issued at 1:55 am, advising people who did not need to be in the area to stay away. By 9:30 am, the fire was smouldering in the gutted structure.
Fortunately, no firefighters were injured during the operation, and crews successfully prevented the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties, Mayor Dracoulis confirmed to Pulse Tasmania.
The destroyed building was part of the original Millbrook Rise Hospital, which opened in 1934. It was initially established to provide care for veterans returning from war. The building has been vacant for several years, or since the turn of the century, though newer mental health facilities continue to operate in other buildings nearby. Millbrook Rise later became part of the Royal Derwent Hospital, which closed in 2001.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway, with fire investigators on site at Millbrook Rise throughout Monday.
Mayor Dracoulis extended her gratitude to the emergency responders for their swift action in the early hours of the morning. She also used the incident as a reminder for the community about the importance of volunteering for the fire service, particularly with the upcoming bushfire season.
For more details on this developing story, readers can refer to the original report by ABC News (Tasmania).