A historic former mental health hospital building in New Norfolk, Tasmania, has been destroyed by fire in the early hours of Monday morning. Emergency services were called to the original Millbrook Rise site on Hobart Road at approximately 1:25am on 5 October, after multiple Triple Zero calls reported a fire at the vacant building. Fire crews from New Norfolk and surrounding areas responded, with specialist equipment also sent from Hobart.

The building, which had been abandoned for several years, was severely damaged in the blaze. Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire after almost two hours, but the structure was left with extensive damage, including significant destruction to its upper levels. Tasmania Fire Service investigators have begun examining the site to establish how the fire started.

Authorities said people using surrounding buildings were safe during the incident. Tasmania Fire Service investigator James Foster said people on the site were able to shelter in place and did not need to be evacuated. Firefighters and investigators are nevertheless assessing the structural stability of the damaged building because parts of the flooring have been destroyed and sections of the older structure may be unsafe.

Investigators have also said they cannot immediately rule out the possibility that someone may have been inside the abandoned building when the fire began. Officials are conducting a thorough examination before the site can be considered completely clear. The building had reportedly been vacant for several years, although authorities noted that abandoned buildings in the area have previously been occupied by squatters.

Millbrook Rise has significant historical importance to the New Norfolk area. The original facility opened in 1934 and was initially associated with providing care for people returning from war, their families and later the wider community. It subsequently became part of the Royal Derwent Hospital, which closed in 2001.

The Tasmania Health Department continues to operate the Millbrook Rise Centre for Rehabilitation in other nearby buildings. The centre provides rehabilitation services and accommodation, meaning authorities were also working to ensure the continuing operation of the nearby facilities following the fire. Maintenance staff were reportedly working to secure power and protect the operational buildings.

Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis thanked emergency crews for their rapid response and said their efforts helped prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties. She also used the incident to encourage more residents to consider volunteering with Tasmania's fire services ahead of the upcoming bushfire season.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established. Tasmania Fire Service investigators remain at the scene, and the damaged condition of the three-level building means the investigation must be carried out carefully because of potential structural instability.

The blaze has brought attention to both the historical significance of the Millbrook Rise site and the safety challenges posed by long-abandoned buildings. Authorities will continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire while assessing the condition of the remaining structure.