Modifed Electrical Cord causes major fire - Cromer

Published: 02 Feb 2023 12:43pm

The quick work of Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews prevented a fire from taking hold and spreading to adjoining unit in an industrial complex at Cromer last night.

Around 6:30pm, FRNSW received a number of Triple Zero (000) calls to a single level industrial unit on fire on Campbell Ave.

When firefighters arrived they were confronted with one of the units in the large complex on fire.

At that stage the fire was being attacked by members of the public using nearby fire hoses.

Firefighting crews entered the complex, successfully cutting the fire off before it could take hold and spread to adjoining units.

As a precaution, other crews entered the neighbouring units to check for fire spread.

An aerial ladder truck was deployed above the fire to assess the roof area.

It took 16 firefighters from five fire trucks approximately 90 mins to extinguish the fire and remove the toxic smoke from the building.

FRNSW specialist fire investigators believe the fire was caused by an overseas electrical cable that was modified to fit into the Australian circuit.

Superintendent Adam Dewberry from FRNSW said it is a dangerous practice to modify electrical equipment it is also illegal for non qualifed people to do it this type of electrical work. In this situation the fire was contained early by firefighters and we had no injuries, but it could have been worse.

Updated: 02 Feb 2023 12:48pm

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