Mr Gibson called emergency services at approximately 10.20am after a dryer at the back of the Keppel Street hotel, containing tea towels, caught fire.

“The dryer malfunctioned with the towels in there,” he said.

“We were just worried about the gas hot water that was nearby and if that would catch fire, too.” 

Fire crews arrived at the scene four minutes after the call was made, during which time the six people and one dog occupying the building were evacuated.

The fire had been semi-contained by Mr Gibson with a fire extinguisher before fire crews took over.

Firefighters were seen upstairs opening windows after the blaze had been put out. 

Mr Gibson was praised for his actions by Bathurst Fire Brigade station manager Ross Bramich. 

“The building was saved by the actions of the manager and the NSW Fire Brigade,” he said. 

The laundry sustained minor damage, including smoke damage to the area and fire damage to the dryer itself.

No one was hurt in the incident and the fire will not affect the operation of the Elephant and Castle.

Although the fire was not a result of a clogged lint filter, Mr Bramich did issue a warning to the public to monitor their dryers.

“Just a reminder as we come into the cooler months to ensure that people clean the lint filter of their dryers [to avoid a fire],” he said.