Fire Destroys Historic Hotel in Lascelles Town
Early in the morning, a devastating fire engulfed a historic hotel in Lascelles Town. Fortunately, four residents were saved, thanks to functional smoke alarms that alerted them to the danger.
Event Overview
The incident occurred at approximately 2:10 AM at a two-storey hotel located on Henty Highway. Firefighters from the Country Fire Authority (CFA) responded quickly. Upon arrival, they found the building fully ablaze.
Fire Response and Challenges
Due to difficulties in accessing water, multiple fire trucks were dispatched to assist in the battle against the flames. CFA Commander Dennis Thomas commented on the crucial role of smoke alarms in preventing a tragedy:
- Four occupants were able to escape unharmed.
- The presence of working smoke alarms was vital in saving their lives.
Impact on the Community
The hotel, a pivotal establishment in Lascelles, served as the local pub, post office, and bottle shop. Thomas expressed the community’s sorrow:
- “This is a massive loss for the town, and they’re devastated.”
- All four occupants lost their belongings in the fire.
Fire Control and Investigation
The fire was declared under control by 5:25 AM, with 11 CFA vehicles and a ladder platform from Fire Rescue Victoria aiding in extinguishing the flames. Local authorities had to turn off the town’s power from 4 AM to 7 AM for safety reasons. The Sunraysia Highway was also temporarily closed but has since reopened.
Cause of the Fire
Initial assessments indicate that the fire’s cause is not suspicious. Investigations are scheduled to begin soon to determine additional details surrounding the incident.
This event highlights the critical importance of smoke alarms in ensuring safety and saving lives in emergency situations.
