Firefighters battle large house fire - Rathmines
Published: 10 Oct 2022 03:03pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews are battling a fire that's engulfed a two-storey home in the Lake Macquarie suburb of Rathmines.
Just after 1pm, eight fire trucks arrived at the Somersham Avenue address to find a large cloud of black smoke issuing from the roof of the brick home.
A series of explosions forced fire crews to take cover as they established fire lines to attack the blaze, which had enveloped 60-per cent of the property.
They quickly determined a cylinder containing volatile acetylene gas outside the house was exposed to flames.
Neighbours told firefighters they had escorted the home's only occupant to safety.
Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) firefighters from Newcastle are also on scene to provide assistance.
It's believed the fire started in a workshop within the garage of the home.
Updated: 30 Jan 2023 09:14pm
Related safety topics
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Having a home escape plan and a working smoke alarm increases your chances of getting out safely.
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]
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