*** ALERT - Toppled power lines spark fire that destroys home during wild storms - Mudgee
Published: 16 Jan 2025 04:07pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have battled a dramatic house fire at Mudgee, in the state’s Central West overnight, saving neighbouring homes during the wild storms that lashed parts of NSW.
Around 7.15pm, a power pole and “live” wires fell onto a house in Redbank Road, setting it ablaze, during the damaging weather.
FRNSW crews from Mudgee, Gulgong, Kandos and Bathurst, assisted by local SES were quickly on scene as flames, fanned by 100-kilometre-an-hour winds, engulfed the vacant home.
Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, acted quickly to prevent the blaze spreading to nearby houses, but were unable to save the burning house in the stormy conditions.
They brought the blaze under control, just before midnight.
Investigators now are trying to determine exactly what unfolded.
It was one of numerous fires that broke out in the area overnight, several believed caused by lightning strikes and wild winds.
FRNSW Zone Commander, Brett Jackson, commended the work of firefighters in very challenging conditions.
“The quick response of the fire crews during this incident definitely saved neighbouring properties,” Superintendent Jackson said,
“The local crews were on the scene in less than four minutes, calling in back-up as required.”
***Media note: FRNSW footage of the incident is available here: https://vimeo.com/1047351982/3ddcd5c57e [external link]
Updated: 16 Jan 2025 03:12pm
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]
Stations nearby
95-97 Horatio Street, Mudgee NSW 2850
1 Medley St, Gulgong NSW 2852
26 Rodgers Street, Kandos NSW 2848