DFES says fire at Zebras Guesthouse in Tarcoola Beach, Geraldton accidentally started by lantern

A fire that caused “significant damage” to Zebras Guesthouse in Tarcoola Beach on Friday night was accidentally ignited by a lantern. A Department of Fire and Emergency Services spokesperson said the fire was reported at 7.32pm and three crews were sent to the three-storey building on the corner of Glendinning Road and Brand Highway. The blaze was controlled and contained by 8.10pm and fully extinguished by 9.30pm. The spokesperson could not provide a damage bill estimate, but said the fire caused “significant damage”. It is believed a lantern started the blaze and the flames spread to the second level of the property, Everyone managed to evacuate safely and no one was injured. People were seen trying to combat the flames with garden hoses before firefighters arrived. Police and Western Power also attended the scene. A WA Police spokesperson said the fire was not being treated as suspicious, and had no other comment to make. Firefighters were called back to the scene at 5.30am on Saturday over a small flare-up.