Wickham update - Drone footage - Wickham, Newcastle
Published: 02 Mar 2022 10:00am
Two large storage warehouses, still burning after a massive fire in Newcastle yesterday, are still too dangerous for firefighters to attack from within for fear of a major collapse.
Firefighters are working with structural engineers to determine how to safely access and extinguish the remaining pockets of fire that continue to burn inside both buildings, 24 hours after the blaze broke out.
Hazmat Specialists are also working onsite with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA), Public Works Advisory, and a licensed Asbestos Assessor to investigate potential asbestos risks found in the roofs of the burning buildings.
The priority of this ongoing operation is the safety of Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews and nearby residents, and air monitoring has been implemented in the area to provide the community with assurance.
As firefighting operations continue, as a precaution, local residents should keep windows and doors closed and remain indoors where possible.
A key control mechanism for asbestos is to dampen the material and the rain has thankfully assisted this process.
The community should stay away from any suspected asbestos material.
Please contact the NSW EPA to report any suspected
asbestos they may encounter in the fire area on 131 555 or
at info@epa.nsw.gov.au.
NSW Police are managing a staged return of all evacuees once it is safe to return to their homes.
***Media, please find fresh FRNSW drone footage of the fire here:
https://vimeo.com/683614048/59de22d942 [external link]
Updated: 25 Oct 2022 12:47pm
Related safety topics
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
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]