Emergency crews worked to control a significant fire that broke out at a high-end accommodation estate in the heart of New South Wales' Hunter Valley wine region on Sunday morning.
Early Morning Emergency Call
Firefighters were called to Tower Lodge on Halls Road in Pokolbin just before 7am on January 4. The first crews to arrive reported a substantial column of smoke and found the building well alight upon their arrival, according to a spokesperson for the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).
Major Firefighting Response
A combined force of nine RFS trucks and four Fire and Rescue NSW units remained on the scene throughout the morning as crews worked to fully extinguish the flames. By approximately 10am, firefighters had gained the upper hand and were successfully containing the blaze.
The RFS confirmed there was no threat of the fire spreading to nearby buildings. Initial investigations suggest the fire originated in a kitchen area before extending into the roof space. The exact cause remains unknown at this stage.
All Guests Accounted For
The accommodation wing, which contains 14 units, was safely evacuated. Authorities have confirmed that everyone was accounted for and, importantly, no injuries have been reported.
While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, early indications point to significant damage to the roof structure. Emergency services, including police, remained at the luxury estate as operations continued into Sunday morning.
Tower Lodge is a renowned luxury estate in the Pokolbin area, offering premium accommodation and dining experiences amidst the vineyards of the Hunter Valley.
