Fire tears through Darwin RSL Club in the CBD

DARWIN RSL Sub Branch president Bob Shewring fears for the “irreplaceable” memorabilia that may have been lost forever in a devastating fire – WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

SIGNIFICANT damage has been caused to Darwin RSL Club after a fire ripped through the CBD building overnight.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation and no injuries have been reported.

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The blaze at Darwin RSL overnight. PIC SUPPLIED

The fire – which shocked revellers at nearby pubs and nightclubs – was ”brought under control” by about 4.30am.

“Within a short period of time the fire had extended right through the top floor,” said NT Fire and Rescue Service’s Tony Miles.

“Crews did a great job in protecting the adjoining properties and confiding the fire to the upper floor of the RSL building.”

Darwin RSL Sub Branch president Bob Shewring said it was devastating to see the venue gutted by fire.

Darwin Sub Branch president Bob Shewring and president Keith Joseph [left]. Pic Katrina Bridgeford.

“It’s extensive damage really and damage to the memorabilia which is our main concern,” he said.

“The whole thing is a concern don’t get me wrong, when you’ve just spent $2 million doing the whole place up and then find that when you look at the place now it’s really sad.”

He said many of the items had been donated by families of deceased veterans.

“Everything else can be replaced but some of that might be irreplaceable because it was gifted to us from people who have passed on,” he said.

“Hopefully we can replace some of that stuff but we’re not sure.”

More to come.