The quick action from members of the public out for an early afternoon walk on Sunday June 26 certainly helped avoid an even worse situation when an amount of smoke was seen coming from a house in Karthena Street, Hawks Nest.

Just after midday and screaming for assistance, their calls were answered by more locals who assisted by calling ‘000’ and moving a car from the driveway adjacent to the ignition source. The two story timber residence had flames quickly rising high on the right side of the building and into the upstairs level, bellowing plumes of dark smoke out of windows and the roof top which soon found themselves under attack from NSW Fire and Rescue who were quick to arrive on scene.

Upon entering the residence with Breathing Apparatus, NSW F.R crews quickly established that the residents were not present inside and began operations to eliminate heat and fuel sources from within the top level. The top level has received severe fire, smoke and water damage.

Both Hawks Nest NSW Fire and Rescue vehicles attended the scene, along with Ambulance, Police and R.F.S Crews from Pindimar and Tea Gardens.

Investigations into the fires ignition point and cause quickly focussed on the melted demise of a series of garbage bins at the right side of the premises. The cause of the fire is believed to relate to some ashes from a fire place being put into one of the bins, which unfortunately has ignited and burnt up the side of the building before entering the upper level.

This event proves a timely reminder to ensure that when emptying or removing ashes from fireplaces that there is absolutely no chance of any further ignitions from the discarded ruminants, and that they are placed in a suitable area.

 

By Dave BRAZIER