Alleged Arson Attack at North West Regional Hospital Stretches Tasmania’s Mental Health Beds
BURNIE, TASMANIA — September 21, 2026

An alleged arson attack at Tasmania’s North West Regional Hospital has shut the region’s only dedicated public mental health inpatient unit, putting additional pressure on a health system already struggling with limited psychiatric beds.

The fire broke out at the hospital’s Spencer Clinic in Burnie at about 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. The unit suffered extensive fire and smoke damage and is expected to remain closed for a significant period.

Woman Charged With Arson
Tasmania Police have charged a 28-year-old woman from north-west Tasmania with one count of arson.

Police said the fire forced the evacuation of staff and patients from the Spencer Clinic, as well as nearby areas including the paediatric ward, food preparation area and surrounding offices.

The woman was expected to appear in Devonport Magistrates Court following her arrest. The arson allegation has not been tested in court.

All 19 Mental Health Beds Were Occupied
The Spencer Clinic had 19 patients at the time of the fire, with every available bed occupied.

All patients were relocated to alternative services. Some were transferred to North West Private Hospital and Launceston General Hospital, while further arrangements were being made to accommodate patients elsewhere.

The Health and Community Services Union warned that the closure would place significant pressure on mental health services across Tasmania, with other public hospitals already operating close to capacity.

Clinic Could Remain Closed for Months
Tasmanian Health Department secretary Dale Webster said the extent of the damage meant the clinic would be unavailable for some time.

Authorities were still assessing whether the existing building could be repaired or whether other options would be required. Building surveyors and insurance assessors were expected to examine the site before a decision could be made.

The state government has also activated an emergency management team to find additional mental health capacity, including options involving private providers.

New Mental Health Facility Already Planned
The fire comes as Tasmania is preparing to replace the Spencer Clinic with a new A$40 million North West Mental Health Precinct.

The planned facility is designed to provide 22 inpatient beds and is currently scheduled to open in 2028. Government officials have said they will explore whether construction can be accelerated because of the damage to the existing clinic.

No serious injuries were reported in the fire, although some patients were treated for smoke inhalation.

Authorities are continuing to assess the damage while the investigation into the alleged arson proceeds.

Sources: ABC News Australia; Tasmania Police; Tasmanian Government.