Chocolate Factory Burns Down for Second Time

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SYDNEY—The owner of a Sydney chocolate factory says he's stunned a massive fire has destroyed his business for the second time in five years.

Fire crews were called to Praline Chocolates on Meeks Road at Marrickville about 11pm (AEDT) on Thursday where they found the two-storey building well alight.

More than 50 firefighters worked to combat the blaze, bringing it under control by 5.30am on Friday, a NSW Fire Brigades spokesman said.

A wall of the factory bordering an electricity substation collapsed, leading to the loss of power to some 35,000 homes and businesses in the city's inner west.

The same business was destroyed by a fire in July 2004 and since that time owner Angus Suttie said a high-tech fire alarm system had been installed.

"It was very much a modern, state-of-the-art ... very good alarm system," told ABC Radio.

"We've got no idea what caused it," he said of the fire.

"There was no one in the building. There had been no one in the building for quite some time," he said.

NSW Fire Superintendent Ian Krimmer said the remnants of the building were unstable and it could be days before it was safe for investigators to enter.

"We can't make any statement about whether it was suspicious or accidental for two days, just to allow crews inside," he said.

"Once we're given the all clear by engineers, investigators will hopefully be able to move through."

The factory produced domestic and export-quality chocolates, supplying hospitality, retail and tourism outlets, according to the www.candy.net.au website.

Some 20 people evacuated from properties neighbouring the factory have been allowed to return to their homes and all power has been restored.

Last Updated
Jan 1, 2009