Firefighters to search house fire scene for missing person - Avalon
Published: 19 Sep 2025 01:02pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews are preparing to search the scene of a devastating house fire, on Sydney’s northern beaches.
At 1am today, FRNSW responded to calls of a house fire in Hilltop Road, with one person unaccounted for.
On arrival, firefighters found the hillside home completely alight, with flames issuing from the roof.
Crews immediately began extinguishing the blaze, however the intensity of the flames and significant structural collapse to the roof, walls and floors made entry impossible.
The home, which is located on an extreme incline, sits on poles.
It took approximately an hour for firefighters to control the fire, with hot spots being extinguished well into the morning.
Operations have been supported by an aerial ladder platform from Manly and Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS), or drones which have carried out aerial assessments and searches of the scene.
FRNSW’s specially-trained Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) crews are on scene, preparing to stabilise the home and conduct a search of the property.
FRNSW will work alongside NSW Police to investigate the cause of the fire. Operations are ongoing.
Media Note – FRNSW footage is available here: https://vimeo.com/1119970128/bb2d0b1feb?share=copy [external link]
Updated: 19 Sep 2025 11:06am
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
689 Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach NSW 2107
6 Harkeith Street, Mona Vale NSW 2103
9 Ocean Street, Narrabeen NSW 2101