Authorities investigate fires in Warracknabeal and Jesmond

In Warracknabeal, Australia, arson squad detectives are investigating a fire that destroyed the 78-year-old Wesley Uniting Church. The blaze, which occurred in the early hours, caused damage estimated at up to $780,000. A second, smaller fire was also reported in a nearby women’s public toilet block on Woolcock Street, where property was vandalized and items were set alight.

Separately, in Jesmond, a single-level house on Blue Gum Road was destroyed by a fierce blaze on Friday morning. Emergency services responded to the scene just after 5:00 am. While the structure was completely destroyed, no injuries were reported, and the building was believed to be abandoned. Fire and Rescue NSW crews extinguished the flames by 8:00 am, and the scene has been handed over to police for investigation.