“It is with a heavy heart I confirm the death of a Fire and Rescue NSW officer in the state’s west today,” Minister for Emergency Services Stuart Ayres said.

“The officer was attending a fire at a hotel in Cobar when a wall collapsed and he suffered what is believed to be cardiac arrest.

“The officer was taken by ambulance to Dubbo Base Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

“As a member of Fire and Rescue NSW, this man selflessly dedicated his life to the safety of his community.

“On behalf of the people of NSW, our thoughts and prayers are today with the officer’s family, friends and fellow firefighters” Mr Ayres concluded.

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Greg Mullins said the whole firefighting community was devastated by the death and expressed condolences to the family and community of Cobar.

"Today we have lost a dedicated firefighter, committed to protecting his community.

"He lost his life protecting other people in his community and on behalf of all members of Fire & Rescue NSW I extend our deepest sympathies to firefighters, family and friends."

The second firefighter is being treated in hospital for non life-threatening injuries.

Commissioner Mullins is travelling to Cobar with other senior officers and staff from Fire and Rescue NSW's Critical Incident Support Team to be on hand to offer support and assistance to the family, firefighters and the community.

Crews were called to the New Occidental Hotel in Marshall Street just before 8am following reports the two-storey building was alight.

Ten people got out of the building before firefighters arrived, and three were helped out, according to a NSW Fire and rescue spokesperson.

He said the fire had spread to the roof and firefighters faced the additional task of dealing with gas cylinders at the back of the building.

Roads were blocked and traffic diverted around the scene.

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