Looking back at the Federal Backpackers and Spotted Dog fire from flames to rubble

A year on after fire tore through the Spotted Dog Tavern and Federal Backpackers, take a look at photos progressing from the fire to demolition.

Tuesday marks one year since the Federal Backpackers and the Spotted Dog both went up in flames.

Late on the night of July 20 last year, the sirens and flashing lights of local emergency services woke a sleeping Bundaberg CBD as a historic building and popular pub went up in flames.

Tuesday marks one year since the Federal Backpackers and Spotted Dog Tavern on Bourbong St went up in flames.

The scene was eerily familiar, taking place about a month after the anniversary of the Childers Palace Backpackers.

Dozens of backpackers staying at the hostel were left displaced with the community opening their arms to help them out with necessities and accommodation.

Locals shared their memories of the destroyed buildings, with the Federal standing tall in Bundaberg for more than 100 years.

Superintendent Jeff Keating of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said at the time the legislative changes after the Childers Palace Backpackers fire saved the lives of the 62 backpackers who escaped the Federal unharmed.

Fears of the backpackers building collapsing had road closures in for days with heavy machinery brought in to demolish the building.

The Federal Backpackers building was demolished a few days later.

Take a look back at the fire in pictures from when fire crews battled to extinguish the flames through to its demolition.

In photos: The Federal Backpackers and Spotted Dog Tavern fire from flames to rubble

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Originally published as Looking back at the Federal Backpackers and Spotted Dog fire from flames to rubble