Residents urged to stay indoors after abandoned pub goes up in flames blowing toxic smoke across city

Detectives are investigating the mysterious circumstances surrounding a fire that broke out at a historic hotel and sent toxic fumes billowing into the air.  

Police warned anyone close to the blaze at The Buckingham Arms Hotel in Gilberton, in Adelaide’s inner-north, to stay inside and shut their windows as the fumes blew over the city. 

Emergency services were dispatched to the once popular pub about 11am Saturday, following multiple triple-0 calls reporting a fire.

Sixty-five firefighters were on the scene to battle the blaze, which broke out at the historic hotel, and took approximately 90 minutes to control.

The hotel, which was built in 1846 and closed in 2022, had been boarded-up, making it difficult for firefighters to control there flames.

The blaze caused several road closures and traffic diversions, and the Metropolitan Fire Service have advised all residents to stay inside and lock their windows due to toxic smoke blowing in a south-easterly direction.

Walkerville Terrace and Northcote Terrace were closed to all traffic in all directions, and buses had been diverted, with authorities advising the public to avoid the area.

Residents are urged to stay inside after toxic smoke from the fire began blowing over the city

The Buckingham Arms Hotel has been vacant since its closure in 2022. 

Last month, Adelaide developer Citify has proposed to build a 10-storey apartment building on the site, adapting the current historic building as a restaurant.

Police are urging anyone who saw suspicious activity in or around the building or has any information about the fire to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.