Much-loved Churchill Hotel destroyed by overnight fire in Latrobe Valley town

Australia Broadcast Center

12-05-2025

The 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.
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."
Oakleigh Riley also lives in Churchill and said she could see the smoke billowing from the roof of the pub.
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.
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.