Homestead Motel in Dubbo goes up in flames in mysterious fire

Rooms have been destroyed and police have suffered smoke inhalation after a motel in central NSW mysteriously caught fire.

An investigation is underway into how a motel caught fire as multiple rooms have been completely gutted as a result of the mysterious blaze.

Firefighters rushed to the Homestead Motel on Cobra St, Dubbo, about 6.15pm Thursday to find fire had ripped through the building.

NSW Fire and Rescue crews quickly extinguished the blaze as occupants were evacuated from the hotel.

Crews quickly rushed to the Homestead Motel in Dubbo on Thursday evening. Picture: Veldt Restaurant

Half of the Orana Motel situated next door was also evacuated, as well as the Veldt Restaurant as it filled up with smoke.

Two police officers were treated on the scene for minor smoke inhalation before being taken to Dubbo Base Hospital and released a short time later.

There were no reports of other injuries.

The fire has caused extensive damage to the motel, gutting six rooms completely.

Acting Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Stephen Knight outside the Homestead Motel the morning after the fire. Picture: Ryan Young

Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District have established a crime scene and are investigating the cause of the fire.

Acting Fire and Rescue Superintendent Stephen Knight praised the efforts of firefighters who quickly prevented the fire from spreading beyond the six rooms.

“It appears that the fire has started in one room and it’s spread to the other motels rooms through the common roof space,” he said.

Six rooms were destroyed by the blaze. Picture: Ryan Young

“We have our theories but we can’t comment on that, again what I will say is that the great work by the Fire and Rescue NSW crews and their firefighting tactics and their professionalism ensured that no one was hurt.

“It would have been a lot worse. The message is smoke alarms save lives and also ensure that when you are in other locations you know where the exits are, where the escape routes are and where assembly points are.”