BY IAN CROUCH
A high rise apartment block in Newcastle West has been evacuated after reports of a fire.
Fire and Rescue crews responded to an automatic fire alarm at the Aero Apartments on Hunter Street at 6.30pm on Sunday.
Six fire trucks, a ladder platform and a rescue truck were dispatched when members of the public reported smoke coming from a unit on the 11th floor.
Hunter and National Parks Streets were closed as crews set up to fight an expected building fire.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus gained entry to the unit and found a sprinkler had activated on the balcony, sending clouds of fine mist into the air.
Crews re-set the sprinkler and 50 residents were allowed to return to their apartments at about 8.00pm.
