A man in his 60s has died in a house fire at Windang, south of Wollongong, with authorities warning of the importance of working smoke alarms in preventing such tragedies.
Fire and Rescue NSW responded to the emergency call at Murrie Street shortly before midnight on Tuesday, finding the home well alight.
Despite their efforts, the body of the occupant was later found in the bedroom where the fire started.
Investigation Underway
NSW Police and the Fire Investigation Unit have established a crime scene at the property, with forensic experts and an accelerant-detection dog called in to investigate.
According to Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry, the fire is not being treated as deliberate or suspicious following the investigation.
Superintendent Dewberry urged community members to book a property inspection with their local fire station to ensure their smoke alarms are properly situated and working.
“We would much rather do that than do what we did last night, which is attend a fire in a home where someone has perished,” he said.
Smoke Alarm Failure
The fire highlighted the importance of functioning smoke alarms, as the one fitted at the property did not sound.
Superintendent Dewberry suggested that the fire may have ignited in the bedroom and the gentleman had his door shut, which contained the fire, potentially explaining why the smoke alarm did not activate.
Neighbours raised the alarm after spotting flames coming from the bedroom, and attempted to intervene despite the intense smoke conditions.
Emergency services arrived quickly, but unfortunately, the man had succumbed to the fire.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for working smoke alarms in all homes.