Firefighters were called to an apartment block in Newcastle West overnight following reports a fire had broken out.
Newcastle Fire Command say they were called to The Cove apartments in Bellevue Street just after 10pm after worried neighbours reported smoke coming from a unit on the 8th floor.
They say they were unable to alert the resident.
Firefighters forced their way into the apartment to find a 68-year-old man wandering around disoriented.
He was treated for smoke inhalation, and 80 occupants of the apartment block were evacuated.
Police say the man had fallen asleep while lamp chops were cooking on the stove.
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| Image Daniel Irwin newcastleherald.com.au |
