Authorities investigate cause of unit building fire - Merrylands

Published: 08 Jun 2022 10:12am

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) investigators are assisting NSW Police to determine the cause of a fire that caused the evacuation of dozens of residents from an apartment building this morning at Merrylands in Sydney’s west.

FRNSW received numerous Triple Zero (000) calls about a possible explosion in the basement of the Railway Terrace building around 4.50am.

Seven FRNSW trucks rushed to the address and firefighters evacuated around 40 residents from their units.

Two cars in the basement car park were destroyed by the fire and another eight damaged.

Heavy smoke spread throughout the six-level property.

The blaze was extinguished around 7.30am.

Police have established a crime scene as Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) investigators work with forensics experts to determine the cause of the fire.

Fire crews are using extraction fans to clear the smoke from the building and Hazardous Materials technicians used gas detectors to measure the level of toxic smoke, given off by the blaze.

Residents are securing alternative accommodation while the scene is rendered safe. 

Superintendent Adam Dewberry from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) said this is a timely reminder that calling Triple Zero (000) when you are involved in or see a crash can be the difference between life and death.

The Triple Zero (000) service is the quickest way to get the right resources from emergency services to help you. It should be used to contact Police, Fire or Ambulance services in life-threatening or time-critical situations.

Updated: 30 Jan 2023 09:14pm

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Related safety topics

High-rise fire safety

The best way to keep you and your family safe is to prevent fires from occurring and know what to do in case of a fire.

Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.

For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)

For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].

For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link]

Stations nearby

MERRYLANDS Fire Station

340 Merrylands Road, Merrylands NSW 2160

GUILDFORD Fire Station

263 Guildford Road, Guildford NSW 2161

PARRAMATTA Fire Station

110-114 Wigram Street, Harris Park (Parramatta) NSW 2150