Key Takeaways
- A fire broke out in a disability support home in Sydney’s south-west, resulting in the death of a man in his 60s.
- Two people, including a support worker, escaped with minor injuries thanks to a functioning smoke alarm.
- The fire is not being treated as suspicious, and investigators are working to determine the cause.
- The blaze was described as "extremely intense" and moved rapidly, with significant roof collapse.
- The investigation is ongoing, with fire investigators and NSW Police taking pictures of the scene and using a drone to map the area.
Introduction to the Incident
A devastating fire broke out in a disability support home in Sydney’s south-west, resulting in the death of a man in his 60s. The fire occurred just after 12:25am on Saturday at a property on Corder Drive, Spring Farm, near Camden. Three people were living at the address, and when fire crews arrived, two had managed to evacuate, but one person did not make it out. The fire has been described as "extremely intense" and moved rapidly, with significant roof collapse.
The Fire and Its Aftermath
The fire broke out at a property where two people living with disabilities were being cared for. A man in his 60s remains unaccounted-for and is believed to be the victim. Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said his body was found at the rear of the house. Two others, including a support worker, escaped with minor injuries and were taken to the hospital. Superintendent Dewberry praised the functioning smoke alarm, which warned the occupants of the fire, allowing two people to escape. He noted that the fire could have been much worse if it weren’t for the smoke alarm, and that it was a "miracle" that two people survived.
Investigation and Cause
Fire investigators and NSW Police are investigating what caused the fire. They are taking pictures of the scene, and a drone is mapping the area. Superintendent Dewberry explained that investigators will excavate the scene, peeling away debris to look for the lowest areas of burning as part of the process. The investigation is ongoing, and the cause of the fire has not been determined. The fire is not being treated as suspicious, but the reason why one person was unable to escape will form part of the investigation.
Eyewitness Accounts
Local resident Jose Nodar was out for his morning walk when he discovered the burnt-out home. He described the fire as "intense" and noted that the brick exterior of the house had collapsed, indicating the severity of the blaze. Mr Nodar said he heard sirens on Friday night but didn’t realize firefighters were responding to a fatal incident nearby. He expressed his condolences to the family and friends of the victim, saying it was a "hell of a way to start the year."
Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation
The fire in the disability support home in Sydney’s south-west has resulted in a tragic loss of life. The investigation is ongoing, and fire investigators and NSW Police are working to determine the cause of the fire. The functioning smoke alarm played a crucial role in saving the lives of two people, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures. The community is coming to terms with the incident, and the thoughts of everyone are with the family and friends of the victim. As the investigation continues, it is essential to wait for the official findings before drawing any conclusions about the cause of the fire.