NSW: Residents evacuated from burning unit block

AAP General News (Australia)
04-08-2000
NSW: Residents evacuated from burning unit block

SYDNEY, April 8 APP - One person was treated for smoke inhalation after a major blaze
in a block of units in Sydney's west early this morning.

NSW Fire Brigades media officer Ian Krimmer said 100 residents were evacuated from
the four-storey block of units in Redmyre Road, Strathfield, after fire broke out around
12.40am.

"The fire appears to have started in a bedroom of a top floor unit and has spread quickly
to the roof area, causing the ceilings to collapse into the six adjoining units," Inspector
Krimmer said.

"Damage would be estimated as well in excess of $1 million."

One person was treated at the scene, he said.

Sixty firefighters from 12 stations fought for more than an hour to control and extinquish
the fire.

State government buses were brought in to provide temporary shelter, and the Department
of Community Services was organising motel accommodation for the evacuated residents,
Insp Krimmer said.

"The cause of the fire, which is not being treated as suspicious, is still under investigation,"

he said.

Redmyre Road was closed and traffic diverted as firefighters tackled the blaze.

"No surrounding buildings were threatened or damaged but the units in the lower levels
have been extensively damaged by water and smoke."

Several fire crews would remain on the scene throughout the morning, along with the
Fire Investigation and Research Unit, as investigations continued, he said.

AAP cdh/ao

KEYWORD: FIRE LEAD

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.