A fire broke out in the kitchenette area of an amenities building next to the Graincorp-owned storage silos at about 3.15pm.

Emergency services, including NSW Fire and Rescue crews from Boggabri and Gunnedah, ambulance, police and Essential Energy rushed to the scene.

Firefighters, in breathing apparatus, went to work to attack the blaze which eventually destroyed walls, the ceiling, furniture and the kitchenette. 

An exclusion zone was set up due to the potential risk of a dust explosion, with traffic blocked at both roundabouts on South Street. 

“It was a fairly serious situation because you’ve got the storage of grain in close proximity so there’s always the potential for a dust explosion,” NSW Fire and Rescue Commander Rod Byrnes said. 

Venting gas cylinders, where the valves had been burned, also posed a threat inside the building. 

“The firefighters went in internally to extinguish the fire,” Commander Byrnes said. 

“We had it under control within half an hour.” 

Gunnedah police are investigating the cause 

of the blaze, however do not believe it was deliberately lit. 

“Evidence at the scene of the fire suggests that

 it was not suspicious,” Inspector Paul Johnson said.