03/01/11 - Cinema roof collapse at Bathurst
Published: 3rd January 2011
Today, the NSWFB processed 482 reports of incidents across the state. Highlights include:At 12.46pm today Fire and Rescue NSW were responded to reports of a roof collapse at a cinema complex in Bathurst. The incident occurred during a major rain and hail storm that impacted the area. Fire Rescue officers were on scene within eight minutes of notification and confirmed that internal ceilings had collapsed within two cinemas in the complex and that a number of people may have been trapped. Firefighters quickly entered the building and assisted numerous patrons from the cinema. Fortunately no-one was seriously trapped or injured. Firefighters simultaneously checked the cinema for safety issues such as live electrical power, gas leaks and potential for further structural collapse to ensure that there were no additional risks to patrons or rescuers.
Firefighters used thermal imaging cameras to scan the interior of both cinemas. These cameras will immediately detect any heat given off by a person trapped within collapsed rubble. They are regularly used by firefighters who are trained to use the equipment in situations including structural collapse and smoke filled environments. Fire Rescue NSW was able to determine that no further people were trapped within the collapsed debris.
Forty six people were in the cinema at the time of the incident and all were able to evacuate safely with only several people requiring treatment for minor injuries. Fire and Rescue NSW worked in co-operation with other agencies including NSW Police, Ambulance and the SES during the operation.
Today fire crews also attended a residential fire at Macksville and a kitchen fire at Aberdare, a small bush fire at Dubbo and a tree across power lines at Springwood.
Fire Hazmat officers attended an incident at Glenbrook.
Today Fire Rescue officers responded to 15 motor vehicle incidents across NSW including Carlingford, Toongabbie and Dapto.