Fortunately no one was injured in the fire. At approximately 1.30am a resident of the unit block was woken by a smoke alarm.

After he found smoke coming from an unoccupied unit police were called and 12 residents were evacuated from the building.

Fire fighters worked through the morning to bring the blaze under control.

The cause of the fire is not yet known however it is not thought to be suspicious.

Forensic personnel began their investigation at the remains of the 109-year-old building on Sunday.

Among the devastated residents and businesses is the Inverell District Family History Group.

Volunteers have worked tirelessly over the years to piece together records and photos of Inverell’s history.

Family History Group Secretary Muriel Resta said the group were devastated but had decided to start again.

“We lost all of our records,” Mrs Resta said. “Insurance can replace things like the photocopier and computer but some records can never be replaced.”

Family History’s main focus now is to find a new place to start over again.

The group is having a special general meeting at 2.30pm on Wednesday at the Uniting Church Hall to discuss what their next move will be.

“We have the Fire Fighters and Police officers to thank for their quick response.

“The support from the public has been overwhelming and we are very grateful,” Mrs Resta said.