Firefighters contain shop and residential blaze | Rockdale
Published: 28 Jan 2025 01:00pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have battled an intense fire in a row of shops, with residential units above, in Rockdale in Sydney's south.
At approximately 1.00pm, more than 25 firefighters and eight fire trucks responded to the incident in Walz Street.
The occupant of the shop initially attempted to extinguish the blaze but quickly evacuated the building, along with occupants from neighbouring premises.
On arrival, crews were met with an active fire on the ground floor of one of the shops. Firefighters immediately launched an aggressive attack on the blaze, working from both the front of the property and an alleyway at the rear.
Crews gained access to the premises and brought the fire under control before undertaking a search and rescue operation in the residential areas above. There were no occupants inside the building and there were no other reported injuries.
Firefighters contained the fire to the shop and residential space directly above, preventing further spread. An aerial ladder platform truck assisted with checking for fire extension through the roof and upper levels from above.
Given the challenging conditions and today's heat, firefighters worked tirelessly, rotating teams to ensure safety throughout the operation.
Crews remain on scene addressing difficult-to-access hot spots at the rear of the building.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, however it is believed that a working smoke alarm alerted the shop owner to a fire in a pile of paper plates and other disposable products in a storeroom at the rear of the shop.
It is a timely reminder for people to ensure they have a working smoke alarm and to test it regularly.
Media note - footage from this incident is available here: https://vimeo.com/1051017218/4ff29836fc?share=copy
Updated: 06 Mar 2026 6:50pm