30/05/11 - Two serious house fires
Published: 30th May 2011
House destroyed at Fairfield West
This morning at 2.46am fire crews were called to reports of an explosion and fire in a house on New Cambridge Street at Fairfield West. Firefighters were on scene within eight minutes and there were initial fears that people may be trapped inside. Twelve firefighters from three stations attended and brought the fire under control within fifteen minutes. A search of the premises confirmed that no-one was inside the dwelling at the time of the incident.
The single level brick and tile cottage was totally destroyed by the fire and the Cumberland Highway was closed to all traffic for several hours. Two lanes were re-opened at 7.14am to relieve peak hour traffic. The cause of the explosion is currently being investigated.
South Granville house fire puts young child in hospital
Firefighters received reports of a second serious fire at 9.23am this morning. Crews responded to smoke issuing from a house in Byrnes Street at South Granville. Firefighters arrived within eight minutes and observed a single level cottage alight and a small child and two adults on the front lawn. The child was unconscious and firefighters immediately administered oxygen to the child until ambulance crews arrived. The child and one adult were conveyed to hospital for further treatment.
The fire was quickly contained to the lounge room area. A report regarding the circumstances of the incident is being prepared for the coroner.