Firefighters were called to the Mossburn Diner last night.Photo: Facebook / Mossburn Volunteer Fire BrigadeThe fire that destroyed the Mossburn Diner last night was the biggest blaze in the township for at least 10 years. Mr Hellewell, who is also the Southland District Council Northern Southland Community Board deputy chairman, said the diner had long been a significant part of the community and, although there were other cafes, it was the only source of convenience store groceries for the township, and was also a valuable employer. The business owner and staff would be adversely affected and it would also mean a 20-minute drive to Lumsden for groceries. The fire had not broken through the roof but was burning fiercely inside and generating a great deal of smoke, he said. ‘‘I don’t think it ever went through the roof but the whole inside of the house was just going for it."

Source: Otago Daily Times July 31, 2020 21:01 UTC