Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have extinguished a fire in a historic hotel in Newcastle, in the state's Hunter region. More than 40 firefighters responded to the incident at the almost 150-year-old pub on Berner Street, Merewether, just before 10 am.
The blaze is believed to have started in the kitchen and quickly spread to the nearby restaurant, bar, beer garden, and storage areas.
FRNSW crews
It was brought under control in less than half an hour. The efforts of firefighters prevented major structural damage and spared the accommodation and front bar facilities from being impacted by fire.
FRNSW crews have continued to douse hotspots and monitor for potential fire spread through radiant heat. 15 people were evacuated while firefighting operations took place, and there have been no reports of injuries at the scene. The fire was extinguished just after 12 pm.
The site has now been handed over to NSW Police, who will investigate the cause and circumstances surrounding the incident.
