Alarms woke the hotel’s residents as all three emergency services were called to the scene at about 7.20am following reports of a kitchen fire.
By the time they arrived, all occupants, including some 35 guests, had been evacuated.
Two live-in staff members were taken to hospital after suffering smoke inhalation.
The fire had spread to unseen areas of the building’s structure, through ceilings and voids.
About an hour after call-out, fire station officer Gary Van Der Linden said the fire was still uncontrolled and that no one was allowed back in the building. At that time, six fire officers, wearing breathing apparatus, were inside working to contain the fire.
However by late morning the fire crews had brought the blaze under control and were dampening any remaining flames and ventilating the building.
‘Obviously there’s lots of issues because people have medication in the building and belongings,’ said on-scene police sergeant Scott Romeril.
‘But no one can go back in for a minimum of four to five hours, including the live-in staff, as the staff accommodation is also affected.’
Emergency planning had set up the Styx Community Centre to temporarily accommodate the displaced guests and staff. St John buses were sent to offer transfers. While waiting, the crew sheltered people from the cold and the rain in their vehicles and provided blankets.
A clinician was on hand at Styx, to discuss any medical or medication needs.
Icart Road was closed to vehicles while the incident took place.
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