Darren Coyne
Nimbin has lost some of its most iconic buildings including the Nimbin Museum and Rainbow Cafe in a fire that ripped through the heart of the village early this morning.
It’s understood police are currently questioning a person in relation to the blaze, which also destroyed the All Tribes shop adjoining the museum, and the Bringabong store.
Nimbin Museum owner Michael Balderstone told Echonetdaily he received a call about the fire just after 4am and could see the glow as he raced into town.
‘It’s as if Nimbin has had its two front teeth knocked out,’ Mr Balderstone said.
It’s believed the fire started at the rear of the Rainbow Cafe but quickly spread to the museum and adjoining shops.
Nine fire engines with crews managed to stop the fire from spreading further, no mean feat in a one-street village where most buildings are connected and made from wood.
Police have closed off Cullen Street in both directions to allow fire investigators to examine the scene, and traffic is being diverted down past the western carpark.
Mr Balderstone said everyone was shocked.
‘We got in at 4.30am and could see the glow on the way into town. It’s still smouldering now and a crime scene is in place,’ he said.
Mr Balderstone said police had taken a person into custody for questioning.
‘This has always been the scary part of Nimbin. There’s a lot of homeless, troubled people around who are up all night or lighting fires trying to keep warm,’ he said.
‘The cafe and the museum have always been regarded as the heart of town. My daughter is devastated because she grew up in the museum.
‘I’m just shocked.’
It’s not the first time Nimbin has faced such a tragedy.
A Nimbin Hemp Embassy spokesperson said the same shops burnt down back in 1926 but were then rebuilt.
The buildings featured murals by world-renowned activist Benny Zable, which dated back to the Aquarius Festival, and the museum provided a potted history of the village’s alternative culture.
More stories about the Nimbin Fire
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Future of Nimbin fire site up in the air
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Police appeal for witnesses to Nimbin fire
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Nimbin clean-up gets underway
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Nimbin laments loss as fire investigations continue
Nimbin has been left reeling following a fire which destroyed the Nimbin Museum, Rainbow Cafe, and a number of other businesses yesterday morning. But in true hippie spirit, locals are already talking about what will rise from the ashes, as police investigate the cause of the blaze.
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I came to Nimbin in the early 80s, a refugee from north Queensland where the police had taken to shooting hippies. Keen to try something new, I started working. The Rainbow Cafe had been empty for some months so my north Queensland family and I took over the lease.
Nimbin’s iconic buildings go up in smoke
Nimbin has lost some of its most iconic buildings including the Nimbin Museum and Rainbow Cafe in a fire that ripped through the heart of the village early this morning.
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