It is believed the fire started in the storeroom of Weeks Newsagency around midday, and it wasn’t long before it spread to the gallery of iconic local artist John Murray.

But while the buildings couldn’t be saved, the community rallied together to rescue artwork from the gallery.

“As we sit and digest the days events would like to send out a massive big thank you to our incredible community,” John and Viki Murray said via social media on Friday.

“We arrived on the scene to find at least 30 people, possibly more – all rallying to help us salvage what we could before the inside was engulfed.

“Each and everyone of you … it is all so so appreciated.”

Walgett Shire mayor Ian Woodcock said the fire was a huge blow, but was thankful “nobody lost their lives”.

“Both the owners are very supportive of the Lightning Ridge community, they’re such good people,” councillor Woodcock said.

“They only have one newsagent in the town and they also sold furniture … lottery and books and things for the kids for school. Everything was just destroyed

“And the gallery, they were lucky enough that they got his original artwork out but that business is now closed in the peak of the tourist season.”

He hoped the two businesses could find temporary premises until they could rebuild, and that tourists would support the town.