Popular Perth local the CY O’Connor Village pub was consumed by a blaze over the weekend, but the owners are vowing to rebuild.
Emergency services were called to the CYO in Piara Waters, a suburb of south Perth, around 5:30pm on Saturday, finding a fire well established, a roof partially collapsed and plumes of dark smoke rising.
Firefighters battled for around 90 minutes to get the fire under control, while police and ambulance services stood by.
There were some fears alcohol onsite could further fuel the fire, but following a swift evacuation no staff or patrons were reported injured.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services WA issued a smoke warning for Piara Waters, and Harrisdale and Jandakot, to the north.
The cause of the fire is not yet known and investigations are ongoing.
It is estimated the damage bill will amount to at least $5 million.
The pub is a former AHA WA Awards for Excellence winner, in key categories Casual Pub Dining and Best Steak Sandwich.
Private owners the Dawkins family posted online and to social media that the establishment would be closed “for an extended period while we rebuild”.
They report areas known as the old cottage and Tilly’s Garden sustained only minor damage, while the main tavern appears to be beyond repair.
Immediate plans centre on providing “as much stability and security” for staff as possible as they assess what happens next.
“Regardless of the exact extent of the damage, we are totally committed to being open and operating again as soon as possible and cannot wait to have our staff and customers back in the venue.
“We are humbled by the support from everyone and will do our best to make the community proud when we re-open.”