Bundaberg pub burnt to the ground

A fire broke out at a Queensland pub this week, destroying not only the popular pub but the backpacker hostel next door.

Authorities reported that the fire started at the Spotted Dog Tavern in Bundaberg central at 11pm Monday night. It then spread quickly to the Federal Backpackers Hostel next door, destroying both Bourbong Street buildings.

Specialist appliances were called in for assistance from the Sunshine Coast and approximately 40 firefighters worked at the scene throughout the night.

There were no injuries reported and police said all patrons at the pub, along with its 60 hostel guests were evacuated safely.

An exclusion zone was set up around the area overnight by police. This zone includes the Burnett River, Maryborough Street, Woongarra Street and Burrum Street.

Furthermore, all nearby residents were issued with a smoke hazard warning and several patrons from a nearby hotel were evacuated as a safeguard.

Structural engineers will attend the site to ensure it is safe as there are fears the facade of the building may collapse.

The cause has not yet been determined.

John Pappas, QFES area commander said this was a deep-seated fire and classified it as a "terrible event" being one of the biggest fires seen in Bundaberg in a long time. 

"It is a total loss," Mr Pappas said, whilst applauding the swift actions of the employees.

"Making sure that they did account for all persons and safely evacuate them is what we've seen as a successful outcome."

The local council and Queensland police have organised temporary accommodation for the evacuated people, most of which were from Vanuatu and some from Europe.

Many have lost important documents such as passports and personal identification. The council is working closely with the embassies to get these documents replaced as quickly as possible.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk praised the fire crews stating they did a tremendous job battling the fire.

"Thankfully no one was killed and reports are all 62 people are accounted for," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"But I do want to thank all of the fire crews that attended that scene, I've left a message with the Mayor as well."

The community is relieved that no lives were lost.

With the twentieth anniversary of the nearby Childers backpacker hostel fire less than a month ago, the reality of what could have transpired was too close to home. 15 people lost their lives in that tragic blaze.

Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey said, "It was certainly pleasing to see those involved were able to evacuate people safely," and expressing that the damage to such an iconic building was a major loss to the town. 

"It certainly strikes at the heart of the community. People will have memories going back over 100 years with these particular buildings."