December 16, 2022
A blaze has badly damaged a section of the upper storey of the vacant Broadway Hotel in Kingaroy.
Fire crews were called to the historic two-storey building just before 9:00am on Friday after passers-by spotted flames and smoke pouring from the front of the building.
A nearby worker said she heard a loud bang, like an explosion, before someone told them to evacuate their business.
Police cordoned off a section of Kingaroy Street while fire crews were in action.
Nearby businesses closed their doors and QAS paramedics were on standby if needed.
Firefighters trained hoses on the pub’s verandah while others entered the building wearing masks and breathing equipment to tackle the heart of the fire.
QFES Kingaroy Station Officer Bruce Groer said firefighters had contained the fire to the top of a stairwell.
He said the flames had travelled down a short hallway and then another small hallway on the southern side of the building.
The cause was yet to be determined however investigations would continue.
“A primary and secondary search has confirmed there is no one inside at this time,” Station Officer Groer said.
The Broadway Hotel has not been in use for several years.
Owner Andrew Kelly, who was watching the drama unfold from across the street, told southburnett.com.au it had been a constant battle trying to keep the building secure from break-ins.
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