By Russell Bennett
Heartbroken Gembrook residents watched in shock on Monday morning, 24 September, as the heritage-listed Ranges Hotel went up in flames.
More than a dozen fire fighting vehicles and around 50 firefighters were on scene, was well as police and other emergency services.
It’s believed the hotel was well alight by just after 6am.
The hotel was built in the 1890s. Local business owner and resident Bobby Gordon could hardly believe his eyes when he watched on with dozens of other locals as fire crews battled to extinguish the blaze.
Mr Gordon and his family have been crucial in helping to revitalise the town’s Main Street, which is now often alive with activity.
He became emotional when telling the Gazette just how much of a bitter blow the pub fire was to the town.
“It was about 20 past six and you could see all the smoke,” said Mr Gordon.
“I ran over and it was on the western wing and it was underway.
“There were two trucks there straight away but it just got in the roof and they really struggled to get it under control.”
Mr Gordon said fire crews were attacking the blaze from all possible angles.
“This is the heart and soul of Gembrook,” he said of the pub.
“I just feel so sorry for the owners.
“This will put us (the town) 10 years behind.”
More to come.
