Commercial Building Fire, Kemblawarra
Published: 8th March 2006
Just after 9pm on 7 March 2006, the NSW Fire Brigades received triple zero calls reporting a building on fire in Shellharbour Rd, Kemblawarra. Fire crews were on the scene six minutes later and found large volumes of smoke issuing from a commercial building.
Fire crews put on breathing apparatus to investigate the source of the smoke and found an intense fire involving a floor-covering business in the front section of the large single level building. The remainder of the complex was heavily smoke logged. Firefighters attacked the fire to cut it off and prevent it from spreading through the rest of the complex. They also searched the heavily smoke logged area.
Within 30 minutes the fire was contained. Firefighters then concentrated on extinguishing the fire, checking for spread through the ceiling area and mopping up. It was during these operations that a deceased person was found amongst the fire debris. Police were immediately informed and a crime scene established.
Twenty firefighters from four brigades were committed to this incident. Resources included a ladder truck, a rescue unit and a breathing apparatus vehicle. Police diverted traffic around the scene as a thick layer of smoke shrouded the road, creating a traffic hazard.
The floor-covering business was extensively damaged; however fire crews successfully defended the rest of the building. There were no other injuries but an Ambulance stood by as a precaution.
The NSW Fire Brigades’ Fire Investigation and Research Unit is assisting the Police to determine the cause of the fire.