Much-loved Churchill Hotel destroyed by overnight fire in Latrobe Valley townTBy Tavleen SinghABC GippslandTopic:Fires3h ago3 hours agoMon 12 May 2025 at 11:04pmFire broke out at the Churchill Hotel in Gippsland early on Tuesday morning. (Facebook: Churchill Community Noticeboard)In short:Fire has destroyed the Churchill Hotel in the Latrobe Valley.Local residents who use the pub as a meeting place are sad to see the local landmark gone.What's next?Investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.abc.net.au/news/churchill-hotel-destroyed-by-fire/105285094Link copiedShareShare articleThe regional Victorian town of Churchill in the Latrobe Valley has lost its local pub to fire early today.The fire broke out at the Churchill Hotel in Balfour Place about 5am this morning sending thick plumes of smoke across the town.Firefighters from the local Country Fire Authority have been on site for hours trying to extinguish the flames."The roof's collapsed so we are putting water from the top," local firefighter Matthew Fisher said.Firefighters from Churchill Fire Brigade respond to the blaze that destroyed local pub overnight. (Supplied: Churchill Fire Brigade)Mr Fisher, who lives in Churchill, said the fire was a blow for the community."This is not good for the town," he said.Churchill local Leah Hughes has been watching firefighters working to try to save the beloved pub."[It's] very foggy and smoky. There is a lot of police and fire brigades around," she said."About six to seven trucks here and I can see the fire."A fire overnight destroyed local icon Churchill Hotel in regional Victoria. (Facebook: Churchill Community Noticeboard)Oakleigh Riley also lives in Churchill and said she could see the smoke billowing from the roof of the pub."When I look out from my house you can just see a big cloud of smoke above the pub," she said.Local authorities are advising residents to be cautious while driving in the area."I was just driving … and you can't really see much," Ms Riley said.A film of smoke and fog is across the town after the Churchill Hotel fire. (Supplied: Leah Hughes)Ms Riley, who plays netball for Churchill, said the pub was an important meeting place for local footballers and netballers on weekends."It is a bit sad to hear, it is a great place. You have got good food and it brings everyone together when you are out there," she said.Fire investigators will work to determine the cause of the blaze.ABC Gippsland — local news in your inboxGet our local newsletter, delivered free each TuesdayYour information is being handled in accordance with the ABC Privacy Collection Statement.Email addressSubscribePosted 3h ago3 hours agoMon 12 May 2025 at 11:04pm, updated 3h ago3 hours agoMon 12 May 2025 at 11:22pmShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesSussan Ley is the new leader of the Liberal Party, Ted O'Brien is deputy LIVEPhoto shows Susan Ley talks while standing behind a lectern. 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