A Hoppers Crossing business owner whose factory was destroyed by fire overnight has been flooded with offers of help to keep his business afloat.
A&A Jumping Castles owner Michael Andrew said he’s had about 50 phone calls from companies this morning offering him trucks and jumping castles so that he can honour any bookings.
“It’s pretty good, since 2am I’ve had calls continuously… it’s fantastic.
“It’s helped me to get over the grief.
“It’s only equipment, no-one got hurt, we’ll just buy new equipment and move on.”
His Graham Court factory was gutted by fire when a blaze broke out just after midnight, spreading to two neighbouring factories.
Metropolitan Fire Brigade and Country Fire Authority crews spent nearly two hours getting the fire under control, using aerial appliances to subdue the blaze.
Mr Andrew has run the Hoppers Crossing business – which rents themed jumping castles, amusement rides, bull riding, giant slides – for the past 18 years, 10 of those at the Graham Court location.
“All I know is that it’s burnt everything to the ground, everything’s gone.
“It’s sad that it happened, but the main thing is no-one got hurt.
“We’re still healthy, we’ve got a roof over our head and food, we’ll just buy equipment and work from home and slowly, slowly, and finish jobs off – I don’t want to let customers down.”
MFB spokeswoman Belle Nolan said the fire had “totalled” the building.
“It will have to be pulled down,” she said.
“The other two [buildings] have sustained damage and will have to have remedial work done.”
The fire has been deemed suspicious and the complex has been closed off while police investigate.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
