Mayor praises community spirit after fire leaves backpackers with ‘nothing’

Dramatic photos show the moment an iconic Queensland pub and backpackers were completely destroyed by fire.

Dramatic photos show the moment an iconic Bundaberg pub and backpackers were completely destroyed, completely destroying the belongings of 62 people.

Fire broke out at Bundaberg’s Federal Backpackers and the Spotted Dog pub about 11pm, when onlookers and backpackers heard loud explosions and described fire “shooting from the room”.

The Spotted Dog and Federal Backpackers burns down.

The Bundaberg mayor has thanked accommodation houses who have taken in now-homeless backpackers who lost ‘everything’ after last nights horror blaze which gutted an iconic hostel and pub.

Jack Dempsey has thanked emergency services, volunteers and council staff who worked as a “well oiled machine” overnight at the Spotted Dog and Federal Backpackers fire.

He confirmed all 62 backpackers were safely evacuated and taken to the Bundaberg Civic Centre before they were moved on to other accommodation houses.

“It was a nostalgic moment for the centre to be used as temporary evacuation centre, as it was during the floods,” he said.

“All the backpackers were quickly offered beds around Bundaberg and we offer a big thank you to the accommodation houses who have taken in the backpackers and are looking after them.”

Flames destroy the Spotted Dog and the Federal Backpackers.

Council confirmed the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade were now working on official paperwork for the backpackers, many of whom lost everything in the fire.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services will work alongside council to structurally assess the building over coming days.

“We would ask that people keep away from the area, so the authorities can do their job safely,” Cr Dempsey said.

“The owners, workers and backpackers are in our thoughts today, as they come to terms with what has happened.

“Their health and mental wellbeing are our main priority and community agencies have really stepped up.

“I know that a lot of people in the community want to help and the best way is by supporting local charities, who will be helping the backpackers with whatever they need.”

Flames destroy the Spotted Dog and the Federal Backpackers.

All 62 occupants fortunately were able to escape the building before it was completely gutted.

For a moment, the town held its breath, praying it wasn’t history repeating itself. Twenty years ago the Bundaberg region was rocked after a deliberately lit backpacker fire in Childers claimed the lives of 15 people.

Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Area Commander John Battas told Bundaberg NewsMail it was a “huge relief” to find all occupants had escaped.

“There was quite a bit happening; it was quite concerning. All people were accounted for early on,” he said.

“At times, firefighters were pushed back by heat and fire.”

Firefighters battle the blaze.

Ten crews were called to the scene, and when they arrived found fire “shooting through the roof”.

He said the fire could have spread laterally through the roof space.

Flames destroy the Spotted Dog and the Federal Backpackers.

Onlookers described being able to feel the heat down the street, after they were brought outside following loud explosions.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman indicated early on that no patients were being treated for injuries.

QAS Acting Chief Superintendent Rick Tenthy said after receiving multiple 000 calls at the same time, crews were braced for the worst.

“A fire of that scale had the potential to cause a number of injuries,” he said.

“We really were posturing ourselves to deal with a significant event.

“It was lucky (no one was injured)… it’s a testament to the evacuation plans. It was a very large fire that moved very quickly and aggressively.

“It’s fortunate no one was injured.”

Everyone evacuated was taken to the Bundaberg Civic Centre where they were further checked by paramedics and left in the care of the Bundaberg Regional Council.

Fire investigators are expected to attend the scene this morning.

Flames destroy the Spotted Dog and the Federal Backpackers.