Local electrician and rural fire service volunteer Rob Doyle’s home engulfed in blaze in the Tablelands

The Tablelands community is calling for the public to get behind a fundraiser, after a Ravenshoe volunteer firefighter lost his home in a blaze while undergoing cancer treatment. Watch the video

The owner of a house which burnt down in Ravenshoe has been identified as Rob Doyle, a local electrician and rural fire service volunteer who was undergoing cancer treatment when the blaze started on Friday morning.

Eight fire crews were called to the property on Grigg St at 9am on June 6, to initial reports of large plumes of black smoke seen billowing from the single story house.

Upon arrival, crews found the structure fully engulfed in flames and started to focus their efforts on protecting surrounding properties from the fire.

Rob Doyle lost his house and belongings in a fire which consumed his house in Ravenshoe. Picture: Facebook.

They returned to the property on Saturday morning to continue dampening efforts or further heat pockets inside the house.

Club Hotel Ravenshoe owner Emma Pignatt, whose business was threatened by the blaze, said Mr Doyle had been undergoing chemotherapy at the time of the fire.

“He was in hospital getting chemo when it happened – his workshop is on the main street but his home was behind that building and it was his home that burnt down,” she said.

“He’s one of our local volunteer firefighters, quite significant to the community.”

State Emergency Service posted on Facebook "While in Atherton this morning have chemo treatment, Rob’s house in Ravenshoe has been engulfed by fire and destroyed." Picture: Facebook / Paolo Fanali.

Emergency services responded to reports of a 'well-involved' house fire on Griggs Street in Ravenshoe on Friday, June 6. Photo: Facebook/ Des Dean.

Ms Pignatt said the blaze was so strong, staff, family and community members stepped in to help save the pub next door.

“Everyone stepped in … me, my two boys and staff all with hoses,” she said.
“The fireys had too much going on the other side of the building that’s been lost, so we had to fight from our side, it was a real family effort that saved this place today.”

Ms Pignatt said the community of Ravenshoe is full of really brave locals who jump in to help during a crisis.

She thanked those who helped save the pub, which she has run with her husband since 2022.

“My husband’s family’s owned it since 1992 but my husband and I took over in 2022,” she said.

Emergency services responded to reports of a 'well-involved' house fire on Griggs Street in Ravenshoe on Friday, June 6. Photo: Facebook/ Des Dean.

Other nearby buildings, including a health clinic on the western side of the property, were also evacuated as a precaution.

A Queensland Fire department spokesman said flames were hitting adjacent structures, which were not on fire but affected by the flames and smoke.

The roof of Mr Doyle’s house eventually collapsed as the fire intensified.

“This was a big job,” he said.

“At 10.15am, on Friday, teams were finally able to enter the building, with three crews continuing fire suppression efforts,” the spokesman said.

Eight fire crews were called to the property on Grigg Street at 9am on June 6, to initial reports of large plumes of black smoke seen billowing from the single story house. Picture: Facebook.

In response to the tragedy, Tablelands resident Nicola Baker had organised a community fundraiser for Mr Doyle.

“I couldn’t stop thinking about Rob since this happened,” she said.

Ms Baker said there has been an “outpouring” of support as Mr Doyle has been “inundated” with messages, calls and offers of support.

“He’s the one who will sign up to help and he’s always helped me so much, everyone in the community,” she said.

“We just all love him.”

With more than 30 years of service to the community, Mr Doyle has become a local cornerstone — distributing hymn books at church services, assisting residents with repairs to their white goods, and serving as the trusted electrician who connects power to the main stage for street parades and community events.

“He’s always done so much for us, it’s now our turn to do something for him,” Ms Baker said.

A fundraiser has been organised for Mr Doyle after his house and belongings were destroyed in a blaze on Friday morning. Picture: Supplied.

Funds will be raised during a sausage sizzle and bake sale on June 14 from 7am until sold out, right out front of the post office in Ravenshoe on Grigg st.

“We’ve got bakers, cooks, people donating tables, and even onions, whatever they can,” Ms Baker said.

“We’ll go till about lunch time, until it’s all going.

“The worst feel, is the feeling of helplessness, but this is something we can do and do it quickly.”

Additionally, more funds will be raised on July 12, when raffle prizes will be auctioned off at the Golf Day Charity Auction at Ravenshoe Millstream Country Club.

Ms Baker said anyone who would like to donate items for the raffle can contact her on 0417 929 382.

It is understood Mr Doyle has a number of family members in the Tablelands area, and is being supported by his relatives at this time.

Queensland Police spokesman confirmed on Saturday morning, the scene had been declared a crime scene.

“Investigations into the cause of the fire are continuing,” he said.

Originally published as Local electrician and rural fire service volunteer Rob Doyle’s home engulfed in blaze in the Tablelands