Fires at Diggers Tavern Bellingen, Nambucca Heads near surf club
A ferocious blaze tore through a hotel with guests evacuated while a bushfire on a headland threatened a surf lifesaving club in a busy night for firefighters.
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Hotel guests were forced to flee as a ferocious blaze tore through a hotel on the small Mid-North Coast town of Bellingen in the early hours of Tuesday.
Just after 2am brigades from across the region rushed to the Diggers Tavern in the main street.
Smoke was billowing out of the building and a large crane brought in to attack the flames from above.
Bellingen local Andrew Woodward walks his dogs regularly and described what he saw around 5am.
“There were a dozen emergency service vehicles – at least eight fire engines and sundry ambos, cops, hazmat and rehabilitation vehicles.
“Blue and red lights blazed galore – it was quite a show.”
Mr Woodward counted at least 30 fire and rescue personnel in attendance.
“Water from the fire trucks had streamed down the hill to the (Lavenders) bridge.”
Tavern management took to social media to thank firefighters for their brave efforts to bring the blaze, which is believed to have originated from the kitchen, under control.
“We are gutted and in shock, but thank goodness no one is hurt.
“Emergency services worked hard for us. We are not sure what happens from here but will keep everyone posted.”
There were fears for the newly renovated heritage-listed Bellingen Memorial Hall next door but initial reports indicate it was spared from any damage.
It was a particularly busy night for the Nambucca Fire and Rescue NSW crew which attended the Bellingen fire after earlier spending several hours battling a blaze that threatened the Nambucca Heads SLSC clubhouse.
About 8pm firefighters responded to multiple triple 0 calls with large areas of bush and grass on the nearby headland well alight.
With support of nearby crews from Macksville, Valla Beach and Newee Creek the fire was extinguished before it reached the clubhouse.
More details to come
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