Fire forces evacuation at Tumbulgum Tavern after kitchen blaze spreads to roof

 

A fire in the kitchen of Tumbulgum Tavern last night forced the evacuation of staff and patrons after flames spread into the roof, prompting an emergency response from fire crews.

Co-owner Will Nicholson said the incident unfolded after a grill fire escalated inside the venue’s kitchen.

“It was just a grill fire,” Nicholson said.

“So obviously some grease has caught light and then that’s been sucked into the flue and caused the fire in the roof.”

He said staff realised something was wrong within seconds and evacuated the building.

“Within seconds we knew that there was an issue and so we evacuated,” he said.

Nicholson said the response from emergency services was swift, with firefighters able to contain the blaze quickly.

“It was an incredible turnout from the local fire authority…” he said.

“They were able to essentially get the fire under control in only 30 minutes.”

 

 

Nicholson added that “police and ambulance were in attendance but not required”.

He said there were no major disruptions among customers at the time due to relatively quiet conditions and the separation between the pub and bistro areas.

“With the rain it was a cold and dreary evening,” he said, pointing to the quiet conditions.

“And so, we were fortunate that there wasn’t a lot of disruption to the customers.”

Nicholson said all staff and patrons were safely evacuated within minutes.

“Everyone was evacuated in minutes, including staff, and we waited for the firies to arrive,” he said.

Despite the blaze reaching the roof area, Nicholson said the historic pub itself was unharmed and remains open.

“The pub is unharmed,” he said.

“It’s been around for 139 years, and it’s seen floods and now fire.”

“So, it’s a real beautiful old girl that’s been through it all.”

The business said in a Facebook post that the pub is open, but the kitchen is closed and a limited menu is available.

Nicholson said that they are working with neighbouring businesses and making alternative plans to maintain service while repairs are underway.

“We’ve worked really closely with our local neighbours, so we’re offering food today and we will have food on hopefully within the week, but we’ve been pretty open with customers that there’s such great places to eat in The Tweed that they can visit while we reopen,” he said.

Community members expressed concern on social media after the fire unfolded, with the incident reviving memories of the Mt Warning Hotel in Uki, commonly known as the Uki Pub, which was destroyed by fire in 2013.

“Please don’t do a Uki,” one comment read.

“The best pub opposite the river,” another said.