Building Fire Multiple Units Destroyed. - Rutherford
Published: 02 Sep 2020 01:57am
Fire and Rescue NSW received multiple Triple Zero (000) calls just before 2am this morning for a Unit Fire with persons reported missing.
More than 10 crews from the Hunter region battled the blaze in Churchill Cr, Rutherford. Which destroyed 2 units in the two story complex of 8 units.
All residents were eventually accounted for with one person treated by NSW Ambulance for shock. Approximately 20 people were evacuated from the scene.
The site was handed over to NSW Police at approximately 4am.
Superintendent Adam Dewberry from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) said this is a timely reminder that you can take steps to protect your home and loved ones during winter:
• Never ever leave cooking unattended.
• Only working smoke alarms save lives- test your alarms are in date
and working. If not, change the batteries or replace the alarms.
• Keep everything one metre away from your heater.
• Don’t overload your power boards with heaters and electric
blankets.
• Never ever use wheat bags to warm your bed and turn off your
electric blanket before you sleep.
• Fire screens should always be placed in front of fireplaces and
chimneys when in use.
• Do not use outdoor heating and cooking equipment inside your
home; this can lead to the build-up of carbon monoxide indoors
which can be fatal.
• Have a Home Fire Escape Plan
A fire can take hold in minutes, yet it only takes seconds to prevent one. Take action to stay out of harm this winter.
For more information about home fire safety, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/winter
Updated: 30 Jan 2023 09:15pm
Related safety topics
The leading cause of home fires in NSW is leaving cooking unattended.
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.
Learn how to prevent fires from heaters and open fires.
The best way to keep you and your family safe is to prevent fires from occurring and know what to do in case of a fire.
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
4 Anambah, Rutherford NSW 2320
14 Church Street, Maitland NSW 2320
Cnr Chelmsford Drive & Newcastle Street, East Maitland (Metford) NSW 2323