A suspected arson attack has seriously damaged Lewis Hotels’ Royal Exchange Hotel in Marrickville.
Around 20 people, including staff, patrons and residents in rooms upstairs, had to be evacuated via fire truck ladder through a window after the fire took hold in the stairwell. No-one was injured, but several had to be treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.
Sadly, beloved hotel cat ‘Whiskey’ did not survive, later found under a bed after the fire mostly destroyed the first and second floors of the Art Deco building.
Witnesses saw a man running from the scene when the fire broke out, via Garners Ave.
A bottle of accelerant was later found outside.
Authorities were called to the site just before midnight on Monday. Police say it was lucky no-one trapped by the flames was killed or seriously injured.
Detectives are looking for a male aged around 20 of Asian appearance, wearing a blue polo shirt at the time. Inner West Police Commander Superintendent Sam Crisafulli says they are “confident we will get good footage” from CCTV, stressing the potential for loss of human life was “very, very real”.
Emily Dee rescued Whisky the cat over a year ago, and he became a regular sight at the pub, greeting locals. He will be sorely missed, after succumbing to the blaze.
Lewis Hotel group bought the pub in early 2019, via Trustee, and it benefitted from a renovation of the main bar, bistro and gaming room earlier this year.
Thought to have started in the stairwell, damage was extensive on both levels but NSW Fire and Rescue’s Scott Dodson reported parts of the building remain intact and the Royal “hasn’t been destroyed”.
Investigators have been combing the wreckage, seeking the cause of the fire, and lines of inquiry are open around the motive, which could include patrons or disgruntled former staff.
Police are asking anyone with information about the man’s identity to call Inner West police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
