A well-known Sydney pub erupted in flames on Tuesday afternoon, triggering a local evacuation and bringing light rail services to a standstill in the inner-city suburb.
Fire Erupts in Pub Roof
Emergency services were called to Devonshire Street in Surry Hills at approximately 1.30pm on Tuesday after reports of a fire in the roof of the popular Dove and Olive hotel. Dramatic footage from the scene captured thick smoke pouring from the building's roof as firefighters worked to control the blaze.
Locals, some reportedly dressed in festive attire, were moved behind police tape for their safety. NSW Fire and Rescue confirmed there were no reports of any injuries, but an evacuation order was enforced for the immediate area as a precaution.
Transport Chaos and Emergency Response
The pub's location directly alongside a light rail line had immediate and significant consequences for commuters. All light rail services between Central Station and Moore Park were cancelled to allow emergency vehicles unfettered access to the scene.
While firefighters successfully extinguished the fire, crews remained on site into the afternoon to clear the building of smoke and check for any lingering hot spots. The need to assess damage to the Dove and Olive structure meant transport disruptions continued for some time.
Transport for NSW advised passengers to seek alternative travel arrangements, allow extra time, and monitor service announcements. Services on the L2 and L3 lines continued to operate on other sections, between Central and Circular Quay and between Moore Park and Randwick or Kingsford.
Cause Under Investigation
Authorities have not yet determined what sparked the fire within the historic pub. However, police have indicated they do not believe the fire to be suspicious at this early stage. The focus remains on securing the building and investigating the origin of the blaze.
The incident caused significant disruption in Surry Hills, highlighting the challenges of managing emergencies in dense urban environments with critical transport infrastructure.
