05/01/11 - Lithgow storm, 6 residential fires

Published: 5th January 2011

Today, the NSWFB processed 695 reports of incidents across the state. Highlights include:

This afternoon at around 4.00pm a large storm event impacted the township of Lithgow. Fire Rescue crews responded to several shops in Main Street flooded by storm water. Crews were also responded to reports of a roof collapse in a Main Street building. On arrival it was determined that internal ceilings had collapsed as a result of an inundation of storm water and hail. Eight people in the building were moved to safety without any injuries reported. As a result of torrential rains an embankment on the Bells Line of Road at the Eastern side of Lithgow collapsed around 5.00pm and ruptured a gas main. The Bells Line of Road was closed for an hour and a half as Fire Rescue and gas company crews worked to seal of the leak. Fire crews were also called to an electrical fire caused by water entering a wall cavity in a house. The fire was quickly extinguished with minimal damage.

Today fire crews also responded to residential fires at Gunnedah, Minto, Wentworth Falls and East Gosford. Fires caused by foodstuffs left unattended occurred at Lismore and Faulconbridge resulting in one person being transported to hospital.

Minor fires also occurred in a Laundromat at Berkely Vale and a shop at Mt Hutton.

Fire Hazmat Officers attended Hazmat incidents Liverpool and Unanderra.

Today Fire Rescue Officers responded to 34 motor vehicle incidents across NSW including serious incidents at Brookvale, Jamisontown and Seven Oaks.