Fire investigators at the scene of fatal house blaze - VIDEO - Wetherill Park
Published: 12 Jul 2023 12:14pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) investigators are now at the scene of a house fire, which has claimed the lives of two people in Sydney's south-west.
Neighbours phoned Triple-Zero (000) around 6:45am today as the property in Lily Street, Wetherill Park became engulfed in flames and their own attempts to rescue the occupants proved unsuccessful.
FRNSW immediately deployed 24 firefighters and six fire trucks.
When fire crews arrived on-scene, they used tools to force their way into the home and located a 81-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman inside.
The firefighters carried the woman outside and applied CPR until NSW Ambulance paramedics arrived, however the couple was pronounced dead at the scene.
Two neighbours suffered smoke inhalation in their unsuccessful attempts to reach the couple. One of the men has been taken to hospital for assessment.
Firefighters kept attacking the flames, extinguishing the blaze around 9:30am.
Experts from FRNSW's Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) are now working with NSW Police to determine where and how the fire started.
This incident brings to six the total number of people killed in residential fires across NSW so far this winter.
That is one more life lost compared to the same six-week period last year.
A record 16 people died in residential fires across the state last winter.
As cooler conditions set in, FRNSW is again urging everyone to consider how they can protect themselves against the risks of fire in their own homes.
Always keep materials at least a metre from any heater, ensure electric blankets are not compromised and maintain working, connected smoke alarms.
More information, including a Winter Fire Safety Checklist, is available for download from the FRNSW website: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9284 [external link]
EDITOR'S NOTE: Additional video footage of the Wetherill Park fire scene can be accessed via the following web link - https://vimeo.com/844442014/02bd54d4f8 [external link]
Updated: 12 Jul 2023 12:33pm
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
875 The Horsley Drive, Smithfield - Fire Station NSW 2164
42 Huntingwood Drive, Huntingwood NSW 2148
100 St Johns Rd, Cabramatta NSW 2166