A man has been charged with arson after a fire tore through a historic building that houses the Oxford Hotel in North Adelaide, causing significantly damage.
Firefighters were called to O’Connell Street about 7am yesterday after several witnesses reported seeing smoke and flames coming from the building.
By the time first responders arrived, the building was well engulfed.
Plumes of thick, grey smoke could be seen over the city as firefighters battled the blaze before bringing it under control.
O’Connell Street, between Archer Street and Gover were closed to all traffic at the time.
“There is significant damage to the building,” police said.
“Fire Cause Investigators and Eastern District Detectives are at the scene to determine the cause of the fire however police are treating this fire as suspicious.”
Following investigations, a 37-year-old man was arrested about 5.30pm yesterday and charged with arson.
He did not apply for bail and is expected to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court tomorrow.
