Roma's historic Royal Hotel destroyed by fire

Fire has destroyed the historic Royal Hotel Roma in south-west Queensland.

The blaze broke out just before 6:00pm (AEST) on Saturday.

The cause is not yet known but early reports suggest it may have started in the kitchen.

Photo: The fire at Roma's Royal Hotel broke out just before 6:00pm on Saturday. (Supplied: Douglas Pack)

Firefighters say the Royal Hotel erupted into flames within minutes because of the alcohol stored on site.

The Royal Hotel Roma Facebook page made an announcement just after 6:30pm.

"We are devastated to inform you that the hotel has succumbed to a fire," it read.

"Everyone got out in time, and will be OK."

Neighbouring businesses have also been badly damaged by smoke and heat from the blaze.

Popular pub will be missed, says mayor

Maranoa Council Mayor Robert Loughnan said it was a popular pub.

"My understanding is this fire must have started in the kitchen probably after the lunch meals today," he said.

"It has had extensive renovations I understand there is some damage to the neighbouring shop, [but] the shops to the north appear to be fine."

He said it was a "huge" loss for the town.

"It was one of the dominant hotels in Roma under the management of the Ingham-Myers family and they have done a fantastic job in managing it," he said.

"So it is a great loss for the family for all the staff and clients and for the entire town.

"It was a real happening place and it is just a tragedy what has happened today."

Photo: Many residents stood in the street and watched as the fire ripped through the Royal Hotel Roma. (Supplied: Douglas Pack)

Source : ABC News   Patrick Williams and Francis Tapim    November 16th 2014