Paddy Evans was woken up by the fire alarm and recalls a potent smell in the hostel.
Sharing history and memories about the engulfed buildings and sending heartfelt thoughts to the tavern owner are circulating social media.
Bundaberg's Federal Backpackers Hostel&Spotted Dog Tavern were gutted by fire overnight. There were no injuries.
About 80 people were evacuated uninjured from the hostel and a nearby motel.
Burnett MP Stephen Bennett submitted an update on Thursday as part of months-long efforts to update his details after being made a director of his son's company.
The 83-year-old has stopped to check his tyre pressure in Bundaberg.
A man has been charged with a string of offences over the crash including driving without a licence.
Authorities believe the man was probably infected by a flatmate in Melbourne where there was ongoing community transmission.
The 47-year-old was found dead in Bundaberg on Saturday night after an alleged dispute with another man.
Andrew Page,24,had been free diving with friends and may have got tangled in the line after spearing a big fish and was dragged,police said.
Traffic on the motorway at Peregian Springs began to flow again late on Thursday,as 68 bushfires continue to burn across Queensland.