21/11/10 - Large shopping complex fire on the Central Coast, four serious residential fires put two in hospital and another two kitchen fires.
Published: 21st November 2010
Today, the NSWFB processed 572 reports of incidents across the state. Highlights include:Just before 5.00pm today the Fire Brigade received the first of numerous triple zero calls to a shop on fire in Karalta Rd at Erina. Crews were on scene within seven minutes and confirmed that a fire had taken hold, was producing enormous amounts of smoke and threatening to quickly spread to adjoining shops. A total of forty firefighters from nine surrounding stations attended the blaze and battled for over four hours to contain the seat of the fire. There were fears of several wall collapses and the large amount of smoke in the area forced the evacuation of the Erina Leagues Club, a nearby tavern and restaurant. Four shops in the complex were totally destroyed by fire and a nearby building suffered some smoke and heat damage. Fortunately no injuries were advised and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Fire crews also attended a fire in a shop at Port Kembla which appears to have been caused by a faulty gas metre valve. Quick actions by firefighters contained the fire to the rear section of the premises.
Firefighters attended six residential fires today. Four of the fires caused extensive damage to houses at Stanmore, North Richmond, Doonside and Port Macquarie. Two people suffered smoke inhalation at the Stanmore fire. Crews also responded to another two residential fires caused by foodstuffs left unattended on stoves at Plumpton and Kent Street, Sydney.
Firefighters at Murwillumbah were quickly on scene at Murwillumbah Hospital and extinguished a small electrical fire.
Fire Rescue Officers attended a serious motor vehicle accident at Blacktown.