Children threatened by flames, 100 evacuated from hotel fire - Warwick Farm
Published: 20 Jan 2025 01:54pm
Two children have narrowly escaped harm during a fire which has forced the evacuation of 100 guests from a hotel at Warwick Farm, in Sydney's south-west.
Just after 1.30am today, more than 30 firefighters and eight fire trucks, including an aerial ladder appliance, responded to numerous Triple Zero (000) calls to the fire on the second floor of the hotel on the Hume Highway.
The children, staying in a hotel room, were woken by popping sounds and a bedside table alight.
The flames spread to a pillow which was thrown into the hotel room shower by the quick-thinking occupants, and extinguished.
However, upon returning to the room, the guests found a mattress well alight and immediately ran to safety outside, where they called Triple Zero (000).
On arrival, FRNSW crews saw smoke issuing from the building and around 100 occupants evacuating.
Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control, and checked all floors of the hotel to confirm there were no people still inside.
The building was affected by smoke, and crews ventilated the property on two floors.
Crews worked with NSW Police and hotel management to safely return occupants to their rooms and arrange alternative accommodation for those unable to re-enter.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage but the reported 'popping' sounds are consistent with a process, known as 'thermal runaway,' common in Lithium-Ion battery fires.
As such, FRNSW investigators are examining a number of items at the fire scene, including several rechargeable vapes and other electrical devices.
Media note: footage from the investigation of the incident can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/1048413794/699bb1c9c3?ts=0& [external link];share=copy
Updated: 20 Jan 2025 01:00pm
Related safety topics
It's important that we all understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and be prepared if things go wrong.
If you do your bit to minimise the risks in your home, we can all stay safer together.
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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