Pub fire rallies Roma community

Brothers Sam and Nick Ingham-Myers, and their respective wives, Aleisha and Melanie, took over the lease on the hotel in early 2013 and had transformed the hotel into one of Roma’s most popular watering holes and restaurants.

They are unsure if the historic pub will be rebuilt.

The incident comes just days out from the Roma Cup weekend when thousands of visitors are expected to converge on the town.

The fire started in the hotel kitchen when an employee attempted to reconnect a gas bottle that unexpectedly exploded.

Employee and backpacker Erica Atwood said all her possessions had gone up in flames.

"I was sitting on the roof and I heard a yell and the flames started coming and I just got everyone out," she said.

"All I have is what's on me right now."

Several appeals went out on social media over the weekend, calling on locals to donate clothing and money to assist those employees who lived in the hotel who lost their possessions in the fire.

The Ingham-Myers family released two statements on their Facebook page over the weekend saying that while devastated they were relieved that no one was hurt in the fire.

“Thank-you for all the kind offers of donations of clothing ect for the staff,” it read.

“At this stage they are all housed and clothed and have work around town.

“A massive thanks to Chris and the team at the Club Hotel for their hospitality.”

Aside from personal effects, the hotel was also home to a large and valuable collection of local and sporting memorabilia.

Queensland Country Life understands that the Royal Hotel was built in 1915 after the previous Royal Hotel burnt down along with half of the main street.

Local fire crews have been praised for their handling of Saturday’s fire which saw just minor damage to a Subway restaurant located next to the hotel.