FRNSW firefighters rescue man from burning unit - Hurstville
Published: 14 Sep 2022 11:08am
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have pulled a man from a burning unit block in Sydney's south this morning.
Shortly after 3am, emergency services were called to the three-storey building on Park Road in Hurstville.
Flames and large amounts of smoke were pouring from a unit at the rear of the second level.
One occupant - a man in his 20s - escaped before the fire took hold.
He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for burns and smoke inhalation.
Around 20 neighbours evacuated after hearing smoke alarms activate and being woken by NSW Police.
While FRNSW crews had been told by residents that everyone had been accounted for, they carried out a search of the burning unit as a precaution.
Firefighters discovered a man, aged in his 30s, who was unconscious under a blanket on a lounge.
He was carried downstairs and out of the building, before being taken to hospital in a serious condition.
The blaze was contained to the unit and extinguished.
FRNSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry says working smoke alarms and an automatic fire door assisted with the rapid and safe evacuation of the unit complex.
"The situation would have been a lot more dangerous and complicated had the building not had those safety features and the flames were allowed to spread further," Supt Dewberry said.
"This is a timely reminder to landlords that they are responsible for ensuring that smoke alarms are installed, working and less than 10 years old."
NSW Police is investigating precisely where and how the fire started, with the assistance of FRNSW's Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU).
EDITORS NOTE: Higher resolution images relating to this incident are available via the FRNSW website.
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.
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
5-9 Butler Rd, Hurstville NSW 2220
38 Morts Road, Mortdale NSW 2223
26 Gray Street, Kogarah NSW 2217