Popular Albany bar and restaurant Due South was evacuated on the evening of Tuesday, June 4, after reports of the smell of smoke prompted a response from emergency services. The venue, located on Princess Royal Drive in Albany, Western Australia, was cleared as a precaution while emergency crews investigated the source of the smell.
According to initial reports, staff and patrons inside the riverside establishment noticed a smokey odour, leading to concerns of a potential fire within the premises. At approximately 7:15 pm, emergency services were contacted, and authorities quickly responded to assess the situation. Fire and Rescue teams arrived on the scene and conducted a thorough search to determine the cause of the smell but reportedly found no visible signs of fire or damage.
Several fire crews, including personnel from the Albany Volunteer Fire and Rescue Service, attended the scene. They carried out precautionary checks to determine if there were any safety risks or hidden fire hazards in the structure. Patrons and staff were asked to vacate the premises while emergency responders conducted their assessment.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing firefighters entering the venue with protective equipment and conducting inspections of the building’s interior. Emergency teams reportedly used thermal imaging cameras to identify any potential heat sources that could indicate an undetected fire. However, no fire was found, and it is currently unclear what caused the initial smell of smoke.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the odour was linked to an external source, nearby activity, or an issue within the establishment’s internal systems. Firefighters completed their assessment after ensuring the premises was safe. The venue was later deemed secure, and no injuries or property damage were reported as a result of the incident.
Due South, which is well known for its waterfront location and casual dining setting, is a popular destination for both locals and visitors in Albany. The unexpected evacuation caused temporary disruption to trading on the night, though normal operations were expected to resume soon after emergency services had completed their assessment.
Local police were also present at the scene to assist in safety management and crowd control while emergency responders conducted their work. Traffic in the immediate area was not significantly affected.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any further investigations will take place to determine the cause of the smell. It remains unknown if additional fire safety inspections or building checks will be carried out following the incident.
Emergency responders have reiterated the importance of reporting potential fire hazards promptly, noting that early intervention is key in preventing emergencies. Albany Fire and Rescue Service has not issued any further public warnings or statements regarding the incident at Due South.
As of Wednesday, June 5, Due South has not released an official statement regarding the evacuation, and it is unclear if there will be any follow-up action from the venue. Customers who were present at the time of the evacuation reported that the evacuation process was carried out in an orderly manner, with no signs of distress or disorder.
Authorities have advised that if members of the public experience similar concerns regarding unexplained smoke smells or potential fire hazards, they should contact emergency services immediately to ensure swift response and safety measures.
There have been no further reports of issues at Due South following the incident, and the venue is expected to continue regular operations unless further developments arise. This article will be updated if additional details become available from relevant authorities or the venue management.
References:
Original article: Albany Advertiser – Popular bar and eatery Due South in Albany evacuated after smell of smoke sparks call to emergency services.
[https://www.albanyadvertiser.com.au/news/albany-advertiser/popular-bar-and-eatery-due-south-in-albany-evacuated-after-smell-of-smoke-sparks-call-to-emergency-services-c-17646977](https://www.albanyadvertiser.com.au/news/albany-advertiser/popular-bar-and-eatery-due-south-in-albany-evacuated-after-smell-of-smoke-sparks-call-to-emergency-services-c-17646977)
No additional sources were found at the time of writing.