Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have battled a dramatic house fire at Mudgee, in the state’s Central West overnight, saving neighboring homes during the wild storms that lashed parts of NSW.
Around 7.15 pm, a power pole and ‘live’ wires fell onto a house in Redbank Road, setting it ablaze, during the damaging weather.
FRNSW crews respond to house fire at Mudgee
FRNSW crews from Mudgee, Gulgong, Kandos and Bathurst, assisted by local SES were quickly on scene as flames, fanned by 100-kilometer-an-hour winds engulfed the vacant home.
Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, acted quickly to prevent the blaze spreading
Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, acted quickly to prevent the blaze spreading to nearby houses, but were unable to save the burning house in the stormy conditions.
The fire crews brought the blaze under control, just before midnight.
Investigations ongoing
Investigators now are trying to determine exactly what unfolded. It was one of numerous fires that broke out in the area overnight, several believed caused by lightning strikes and wild winds.
FRNSW Zone Commander, Brett Jackson, commended the work of firefighters in very challenging conditions.
Quick response saves neighboring properties
“The quick response of the fire crews during this incident definitely saved neighboring properties,” said Superintendent Jackson, adding “The local crews were on the scene in less than four minutes, calling in back-up as required.”