Parramatta (Press Release FRNSW, 21 Feb 2024): Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have used ladders to rescue six people from their balconies as fire erupted in a unit block in Sydney’s west overnight.
More than 40 firefighters and 12 fire trucks were deployed to Grose Street, North Parramatta, when the blaze ignited on the ground floor of the three-level complex just after 2am.
Flames threatened to spread to neighbouring units through the ceiling space between levels; while toxic smoke filled the stairwells, inhibiting the occupants of the upper-level units as they tried to escape.
Six people sought refuge on their balconies until FRNSW firefighters, using ladders, assisted them to safety.
NSW Ambulance paramedics assessed all of them for smoke inhalation, with four transported to hospital for further medical treatment.
Another four occupants escaped via a different stairwell.
Firefighters extinguished the blaze in approximately an hour, preventing it from engulfing the entire building.
Some of the residents have since been provided alternate accommodation due to smoke making its way into the upper levels and damaging building electrical and plumbing services.
FRNSW’s Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) and NSW Police have established the fire started in a carport which had been converted into a residence.
Experts are still determining the cause of the blaze.
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