More than 40 firefighters are battling a large building fire in Newcastle West.
Crews were called to Rahmani's Rug Gallery on Parry Street just before 11.30pm on Monday to find smoke issuing from the two story brick building.
Two aerial appliances have been deployed to fight the fire from above.
Parry Street is closed to traffic between Stewart and Tudor Streets and is likely to remain closed for several hours.
Although the fire has been contained and is not posing a threat to neighbouring properties, Senior Firefighter James Reid says there are concerns the front of the building could collapse into the street.
"The building suffered significant fire damage and some potential structural damage. Crews have established a collapse zone on Parry Street," he said.
Police have establish a crime scene and forensic investigators will start work as soon as the fire is fully extinguished and it's safe to do so.
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Fire rips through the Rahmani's Rug Gallery in Parry Street Picture: Merewether Fire & Rescue |
