Heater suspected of starting unit fire - VIDEO - Punchbowl
Published: 14 Jul 2022 01:33pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) investigators suspect a heater, possibly left too close to furniture and drying clothes, is responsible for a major unit fire this morning at Punchbowl, in Sydney's south-west.
A woman living inside the unit leapt off the second-level balcony, injuring her legs, as flames engulfed the loungeroom, just before 8am.
Six fire trucks rushed to the blaze on Victoria Road.
The resident was also treated for burns at the scene and transported to hospital for treatment.
Firefighters also rescued two dogs, suffering smoke inhalation.
Crews carried the dogs to the street outside where they worked on them, using oxygen tanks from their fire truck.
The pets have been taken to a local veterinarian for further treatment.
Neighbours, living on the level above, were alerted by smoke alarms in their unit and made it to safety.
FRNSW has attended more than 400 residential fires already this winter.
Please ensure you have an escape plan in the event of a fire in your home.
Make sure your home is fitted with working smoke alarms and it's crucial that you always keep material a metre from the heater.
This winter, keep you and your loved ones safe by using our Get Ready for Winter checklist - https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/winter. [external link]
To book a Safety Visit by FRNSW, visit www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits, or alternatively contact your local fire station.
Firefighters can check your smoke alarms and replace them if necessary.
Media Note - footage of the incident, including firefighters medically treating the dogs, is available here: https://vimeo.com/729829359/89a0c186bb [external link]
Updated: 30 Jan 2023 09:14pm
Related safety topics
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
353 Liverpool Road, Bankstown NSW 2200
210 Haldon Street, Lakemba NSW 2195
136A Belmore Road, Riverwood NSW 2210