Man charged over Royal Exchange fire that killed pub cat Whisky

A man has been charged for lighting a fire that gutted sections of a Marrickville pub and killed the hotel’s famous cat.

A man has been charged for lighting a fire that gutted sections of a Marrickville pub and killed the hotel’s famous cat.

The 54-year-old man was arrested in Newtown on Thursday and taken to Newtown Police Station where he was charged.

The fire ripped through the Royal Exchange in Marrickville on Monday night causing havoc for about 20 people — staff, patrons and two residents — who had to be evacuated from the burning building.

Several people were treated for smoke inhalation.

Whisky's owner Emily Dee has paid tribute to her beloved cat after he died in the Royal Exchange Hotel fire in Marrickville.

The pub’s much-loved pet cat Whisky wasn’t as lucky, as the feline was killed in the blaze.

The cat’s owner Emily Dee said Whisky was a favourite among locals.

“He was beautiful, very cheeky, loving, affectionate, locals loved him,” she said.

“He will be dearly missed and always remembered.”

According to NSW Fire and Rescue the fire started on the second storey and swept “fast” through the pub.

A crime scene was established after the Royal Exchanged Hotel in Marrickville was fire bombed overnight. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

The pub ablaze.

The aftermath. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

After firefighters controlled the blaze, police said they were looking for a man aged about 20, Asian appearance, wearing a blue polo shirt.

However, on Thursday police arrested a 54-year-old man at a Albermarle St unit.

He was taken to Newtown Police Station where he was charged with destroy or damage property with intent to endanger life and dishonestly obtain property by deception.

The man was refused bail to appear at Newtown Local Court on Friday.

The hotel’s construction manager Gerard Lebreux has said the owner of the pub was confident it would reopen.