Fire closes legal services

Broome’s Aboriginal Family Law Services were forced to close last week after a fire.

Two staff members and four occupants above the office complex were evacuated as emergency crews attended the blaze at the back of the building around 10am last Tuesday.

The fire caused damage to the air-conditioning as well as tables, chairs and other items.

FESA area manager Lee Vallance said the fire had caused damage to the porch but there was no structural damage to the building.

Forensic police attended the scene to determine the cause of the fire.

AFLS regional co-ordinator Buffy Lefroy said the incident was tragic and hoped it would not impact people that relied on the service.

“It’s awful to have to close the office when there are so many victims (of domestic violence) in need of support,” she said.

Late last week, as the office reopened, FESA said the cause of the fire remained unknown.