BY IAN CROUCH
Fire has destroyed a two unit townhouse at Cessnock overnight.
Newcastle Fire Command says ten fire trucks from six stations were called to Dixon Street at about 10.45pm on Monday to find the unit complex up in flames.
It's taken crews just over an hour to bring the fire under control, with crews remaining at the scene until 1.00am on Tuesday.
Fire and Rescue says 21 people were evacuated from the complex.
NSW Ambulance says Intensive Care Paramedics assessed 3 patients at the scene.
Police say a 33-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman were taken to Cessnock Hospital in a stable condition with smoke inhalation.
Police say the cause of the fire is undetermined and a crime scene has been established.
Forensic officers and fire investigators will examine the scene later this morning.
Police are appealing for information or dashcam footage as investigations continue.
