Fire crews battle blaze at Cobar pub
Published Date: 17 Aug 2014
Summary
FIRE crews are at the scene of a fire that has devastated an iconic Cobar hotel.
Photos: Daily Liberal
NSW Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service personnel were called to the New Occidental Hotel in Marshall Street just before 8am following reports the building was alight.
A spokesperson for the RFS Far West zone confirmed two firefighters had been injured.
Ten people who were inside the building were accounted for, according to a NSW Fire and rescue spokesperson.
He said the fire had spread to the roof and firefighters were cooling gas cylinders at the back of the building.
Roads have been blocked and traffic diverted around the scene.
Police seek public assistance following fatal Cobar fire
POLICE want to speak with a man seen filming Sunday morning's blaze that gutted the New Occidental Hotel in Cobar and claimed the life of a firefighter.
A police spokepserson said it was believed the footage could assist with the investigation.
Emergency services were called to Marshall Street just before 8am where they found the hotel well alight.
Police and firefighters attended and the blaze was brought under control, with the building sustaining extensive damage.
About 9am, two firefighters were at the hotel when a wall collapsed on top of them.Both men were taken to Cobar Hospital but one died a short time later.
The other man was treated for a broken arm.
Police from Darling River Local Area Command established a crime scene and detectives launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire.
It is unknown at this stage whether the incident is suspicious.
As inquiries continue, investigators are urging anyone who was near the hotel at the time to come forward.
Detectives will prepare a report for the Coroner.
