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AN iconic cafe is among two buildings in Brewarrina's main street that were destroyed by fire at the weekend.
Emergency services were called to Bathurst Street just after 8pm Sunday following reports Cafe De Luxe was well alight.
NSW Fire and Rescue Captain Theresa Johnson said firefighters faced several challenges upon arriving at the scene.
"There was a large crowd, which needed to be moved, there were power lines arcing, so we couldn't commence any firefighting operations until we had some electricity isolated," Captain Johnson said.
"Once the power had been cut we commenced our defensive firefighting operations. Our main aim was to stop the spread of the fire further into other buildings on the street."
The local crew of seven were helped by NSW Fire and Rescue personnel from Bourke, four Rural Fire Service trucks and 12 RFS personnel, police, paramedics, State Emergency Service and Essential Energy personnel.
"Unfortunately we were not able to save the premises nor the adjoining chemist building, but no damage was done to any other building on the main street," Captain Johnson said.
"Thankfully all persons were present and accounted for and no injuries were sustained."
The news Cafe De Luxe had been destroyed hit the Brewarrina community, and communities further afield, hard.
As the building burnt, onlookers filled the street. Many took to social media to express their dismay.
"It is a tremendous loss to the community," Brewarrina Shire Mayor Matthew Slack-Smith said.
"Cafe De Luxe has been a feature of the Brewarrina landscape since 1926 and it has played a huge part in the social aspect of the town."
He said the building was more than a cafe, it was where owners Angelo and Margie Pippos lived. Angelo Pippos, the town's former mayor, is a long-serving Brewarrina Shire councillor.
"The number of people who will be upset by this loss is astounding," Cr Slack-Smith said.
"Cafe De Luxe was not just a business, it was an institution."
An investigation was under way into the cause of the fire.
Meanwhile NSW Fire and Rescue Duty Commander Tom Freedom said with the fire coming so soon after a series of house fires at Dubbo, Bourke and Nyngan and fires that destroyed hotels in Cobar and Coolabah, it was a timely reminder for people to make sure there were working smoke alarms on their premises.
"Also, when these events occur, please clear the area and give firefighters the space to do their job," he said.
By mid-morning yesterday, the community had rallied to organise donations for Mr and Mrs Pippos, who had lost everything.
"Angelo and Margie are well known for their generosity, and it's heartening to know that the community are keen to repay the kindness by helping the Pippos' in their time of need," Cr Slack-Smith said.
Anyone who wishes to help Mr and Mr Pippos can contact Joseph Loughnan on 6830 5152.