Fire Breaks Out at Australia’s Old Parliament House Amid Protests

Police officers stand guard outside the fire damaged entrance to Old Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Dec. 30, 2021. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

A fire has broken out on the steps of Australia’s Old Parliament House in Canberra, forcing staff to evacuate the building.

The incident occurred as protestors carrying Aboriginal flags were gathering outside the building and were heard chanting “let it burn.”