A devastating fire in Beulah Street on Saturday afternoon took several hours to extinguish with tankers from Gunnedah, Boggabri and the RFS called in to assist.

Captain Dave Welch from Fire and Rescue NSW Station 314 Gunnedah said the fire was fierce and although the fire was not considered suspicious investigations as to the cause are ongoing.

“Thankfully no-one was injured but the residents have lost everything,” Captain Welch said.

Captain Welch has also appealed to spectators to move out of the way and allow the fire trucks to get though.

“It was a real bottle neck at the scene and we had difficulty getting our appliances through,” he said.

“Every second counts when we are trying to get to a fire. Please stay fire smart this Christmas everyone and ensure that you have a working smoke alarm.”

Captain Welch had high praise for the local police and ambulance officers who assisted at the scene and to the crews from other stations.

“We could not have done it without the support the RFS, Boggabri and Tamworth and I would like to send out a special thankyou to everyone involved as well as the local police and ambulance officers,” he said.

“We are very fortunate to have such a good working relationship with other emergency services.”

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