Tasmania Police have launched an investigation into a structure fire at an abandoned building in New Norfolk, which fire investigators have determined was deliberately lit. The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, 5 October 2026, with emergency services responding to reports of a blaze at approximately 1:25 AM.
The fire took hold in a vacant building located at the rear of a property on Hobart Road. Tasmania Fire Service crews were dispatched to the scene and successfully extinguished the fire. Following a thorough examination, investigators concluded that the fire was intentionally started.
According to Tasmania Police, the building had been abandoned for several years prior to the incident and was completely destroyed by the fire. No further details regarding the extent of the damage or any potential cause beyond it being deliberately lit have been released by authorities at this stage.
Police are now appealing to the public for assistance with their ongoing investigation. Detectives from Bridgewater CIB are keen to hear from anyone who may have information relating to the fire or observed any suspicious activity in the vicinity of Hobart Road, New Norfolk, around the time of the incident.
Members of the public with relevant information are encouraged to contact Bridgewater CIB directly by calling 131 444. When providing information, the police have requested that individuals quote the reference number OR818618.
For those who wish to provide information anonymously, Tasmania Police advises contacting Crime Stoppers Tasmania. This can be done via their website at crimestopperstas.com.au or by calling their confidential hotline on 1800 333 000.
The investigation is active, and Tasmania Police will provide updates as they become available. The community is reminded that any person charged with an offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.