Residents are being urged to stay indoors after an abandoned pub went up in flames, sending toxic smoke through the city
- Detectives investigate mysterious fire at historic hotel
- Blaze sent toxic fumes throughout the capital
Detectives are investigating the mysterious circumstances surrounding a fire that broke out in a historic hotel and sent toxic fumes into the air.
Police warned anyone close to the fire at the Buckingham Arms Hotel in Gilberton, north Adelaide, to stay indoors and close their windows as fumes blew across the city.
Emergency services were sent to the once popular pub at around 11am on Saturday, following several triple-0 calls reporting a fire.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fire at the historic Buckingham Arms Hotel in Adelaide’s inner west
Sixty-five firefighters responded to the scene to battle the blaze, which broke out at the historic hotel and lasted about 90 minutes.
The hotel, built in 1846 and closed in 2022, was boarded up, making it difficult for firefighters to control the flames.
The fire caused several road closures and traffic diversions, and the Metropolitan Fire Service has advised all residents to stay indoors and lock their windows due to the toxic smoke blowing in a southeasterly direction.
Walkerville Terrace and Northcote Terrace were closed to all traffic in all directions and buses were diverted, with authorities advising the public to avoid the area.
Residents are being urged to stay indoors after toxic smoke from the fire began billowing across the city
The Buckingham Arms Hotel has been empty since closing in 2022.
Last month, Adelaide developer Citify proposed building a 10-storey apartment building on the site, with the current historic building being adapted as a restaurant.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in or around the building or has information about the fire to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
