Firefighters battle intense unit blaze and rescue three trapped occupants - Malabar
Published: 24 Jan 2025 12:24pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters have rescued three people following a significant fire in a large residential unit complex in Malabar, in Sydney’s east, overnight.
At approximately 11.45pm, more than 40 Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters and 10 fire trucks, responded to numerous Triple Zero (000) calls to a fire on the top floor of the three-level building in Bilger Crescent.
On arrival, crews were met with intense flames engulfing one of the units, with fire visible from both sides of the building.
Firefighters entered the property and worked quickly to attack the blaze and bring it under control. The fire was extremely intense, destroying the contents of the affected unit.
The blaze extended into the roof space however firefighters managed to prevent it from spreading further. The fire was contained to the unit of origin.
Due to heavy smoke in the building's corridors, three residents were trapped in adjoining units however crews managed to evacuate them safely. Other residents also self-evacuated.
Occupants from approximately 10 units in the building have been displaced due to the extensive damage caused by smoke, heat, and water.
It took crews around two hours to fully extinguish the fire and secure the scene.
At this stage the cause of the fire is unknown. FRNSW specialist fire investigators are attending the scene today with NSW Police forensics to assist with investigating the cause of the fire.
Updated: 24 Jan 2025 11:30am
Related safety topics
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]
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