Mt Barker fire: Cause of fire undetermined after shed with machinery and boat destroyed in blaze

A shed fire has caused nearly half a million dollars in damage, completely destroying machinery and a boat near Mt Barker on Tuesday afternoon. About 2.45pm on May 23, a triple-0 call was received about a shed on fire at a rural property on Riches Road, northeast of Mt Barker. Firefighters arrived to find the shed fully ablaze and it took several crews about three hours to get it under control. A Department of Fire and Emergency spokeswoman said the shed containing hay, tractors, other machinery and a boat was destroyed in the blaze and caused an estimated $400,000 damage. DFES said the cause of the fire was undetermined and volunteer firefighters were still monitoring the scene on Thursday. Firefighters from volunteer brigades in Mt Barker, Kendenup-Mortigallup, Middle Ward, Porongurup and Narpyn attended along with Albany Fire and Rescue Service.