Working smoke alarm saves teenager's life as fire guts western Sydney unit vb - Westmead
Published: 10 Feb 2023 01:21pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews say a working smoke alarm saved the life of a teenage girl when fire engulfed a unit in Sydney's west this morning.
Around 5:20am, emergency services were called to the complex in Central Avenue, Westmead, where flames and smoke were pouring from the top floor.
A smoke alarm had alerted the occupant of the unit, allowing her to safely evacuate before the fire took hold.
FRNSW firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, climbed the three levels of stairs and attacked the intense blaze.
They successfully contained the fire to the bedroom it started in, while the remainder of the unit sustained smoke and heat damage.
FRNSW's Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) and NSW Police remain on-scene to determine where and how the fire started.
Residents were allowed back in the building after it was declared safe.
For more information about home fire safety, visit https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=879 [external link]
Updated: 10 Feb 2023 01:25pm
Related safety topics
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
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]
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