Crews Called Back to Blaze at Fingal Bay

 BY PETER HYSLOP

A house fire at Lentara Street has reignited just after 6am after crews failed to put the initial blaze out.

Fire and Rescue were initially called just after 11:30pm last night (Wednesday 5 March) to reports of two explosions, including in the garage- the whole house was alight, firefighters worked on keeping neighboring properties out of harm's way.

The RFS was called in to help, but crews were called back to the scene this morning after flames were seen issuing from the roof.

One person has been treated by ambulance for minor injuries, all occupants are safe and accounted for.

Lentara Street. Credit: Google Maps

More than 55 Firefighters Called to Battle Blaze at Car Dealership in Gateshead

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

More than 55 firefighters worked to contain a blaze at the MG Motor dealership in Gateshead on Sunday night. 

Just after 7:30pm, 14 Fire and Rescue NSW crews were called to the single-storey building on Oakdale Road, after receiving numerous Triple Zero Zero calls with reports of a building fire.

Multiple crews from fire stations across the Hunter and Newcastle regions arrived shortly after to find black smoke and flames issuing from a large single level commercial building, believed to be motor vehicle dealership. 

Over 55 fire fighters worked to control the fire and prevent further spread, bringing the blaze under control by 9pm. 

NSW Ambulance and NSW Police also attended. 

Image: NSW Incident Alerts

Register Your Pools, Water Tanks and Dams to Help Local Fire Crews this Bush Fire Season

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hunter residents are being urged to help out local fire crews this bush fire season, by signing up the Static Water Supply (SWS) program.

Those with a pool, water tank or dam which can be used for firefighting purposes are urged to register. 

Station Officer Anthony Picone said with the bushfire season approaching, it is a good opportunity to remind residents living in high bushfire risk areas to identify where their pool, tank or dam is as part of the program. 

“During a bushfire, the backyard pool can provide an ideal emergency water supply for firefighters to protect your home and possessions,” he said. 

“By signing up to the Static Water Supply program, you’re helping firefighters locate these vital water resources when they need it most."

“Your pool will only be used as a last resort.” 

Station Officer Picone said as the weather starts to get warmer, the program was an important part of bushfire preparations. 

“After signing up, residents will be given a free SWS sign to display prominently on their letterbox so that it’s clearly visible to firefighters from the road,” he said. 

“And don’t forget to download and complete a Bushfire Survival Plan, which will help you and your family make important decisions about what to do during a bushfire before it’s too late.” 

Get in contact with your local fire station now to sign up, receive your free sign and be bushfire ready.

To download a Bushfire Survival Plan, visit: http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/dsp_content.cfm?cat_id=4073

                                                                       Image Credit: stuff.co.nz

Firefighters Find Unit Engulfed in Flames at Singleton

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A unit at Singleton has been majorly damaged by fire.  

Shortly before 8:30am on Thursday morning, Fire and Rescue NSW were tasked to a unit fire on Brisbane Street, Singleton.

On arrival crews noted smoke issuing from the roof of a small block of units, with Firefighters locating a unit fully involved with fire, with the blaze threatening nearby units.

Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire, containing it to the property of origin with major damage to the ceiling and roof. A nearby unit also suffered minor smoke damage.

A number of residents were able to self evacuate and no injuries were reported. 

Fire investigators are currently on scene and are working to determine the cause of the fire.

The leading cause of house fires in NSW is leaving cooking unattended.

A Fire and Rescue NSW spokesperson said it was important the community remembered to keep looking when cooking.

"If your cooking catches fire never use water to put out a fat or oil fire, turn off the stove if it is safe to do so and call Triple Zero (000)."

Solar Panel Fire at New Lambton Prompts Safety Warning

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A solar panel fire at a home in New Lambton has prompted a warning for home owners to ensure panels are installed by a licensed installer. 

Just after 12.30pm on Wednesday,  Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Lambton and Newcastle Fire Stations arrived at the dwelling on Addison Road, New Lambton following reports of a house fire.

Crews arrived on scene to find a solar panel isolation switch had caught fire on the roof of a home. 

Firefighters worked quickly and were able to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading into the roof.

NSW Ambulance were also in attendance however no injuries have been reported.

Superintendent Graham Kingsland from the Fire Investigation and Research Unit said it was important to take steps to ensure solar panels were as safe as possible.

"Over the last five years we have seen solar panel related fires increase five-fold. It is not uncommon to see solar panels cause house and building fires," he said.

“By ensuring solar panels are installed by a licensed installer, and are well maintained by a professional, you can prevent a tragedy”.

For more information on solar panel safety, visit the Fair Trading website.