‘Bloody awful’: Town in shock as iconic Bollon Hotel in Queensland burns down
The owners of a historic hotel that burnt down in a remote Queensland town have posted a chilling warning on social media.
The owners of a historic hotel that burnt down in a remote Queensland town have issued a warning to locals.
The Bollon Hotel was completely destroyed after it caught on fire on Saturday night.
Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFR) attended the hotel, which is located at Main Street in Bollon, at 7.30pm. It was already fully engulfed in flames.
“Firefighters are working to extinguish the blaze, which is producing large volumes of smoke throughout the township,” a press release from QFR on Saturday night stated.
“Residents in the area should close windows and doors and keep respiratory medication close by if required.”
However, it could not be saved.
The hotel was much-loved by locals and is the sole pub in Bollon, which is located 630 kilometres west of Brisbane.
Following the fire, the hotel’s owners posted a warning to locals and visitors on its Facebook page.
“We’re sad to announce that the Bollon Hotel burnt down this evening,” it said.
“We are still in shock and trying to come to terms with it. We are waiting to hear what emergency services can determine but at this stage we are just so very grateful that no one was harmed.
“Police and fire have asked if everyone can stay well away as the site is very dangerous and asbestos is involved.”
News of the blaze prompted an outpouring of sorrow on social media.
“What a disaster for the town, losing the hotel is probably the worst thing can happen to a small town,” a former local reminisced on Facebook.
“I lived around Bollon many years ago and had a lot of drinks there. Let’s hope it can be replaced.”
Another wrote, “So sad, pubs are the cultural hubs for small towns. The meeting place for everyone to catch up.”
While a third recalled, “Devastating for [the] Bollon community. So many memories. Cricket days, birthday parties, drought beers, rain beers and friendship shared at this waterhole. Thinking of you all.”
Others expressed how “bloody awful”, “heart breaking” and “terrible” it was to see the hotel gone.