Factory Fire, Alexandria
Published: 1st March 2006
A factory fire in Coulson St, Alexandria on Sunday morning 26 February 2006 required a commitment of 50 firefighters from 10 brigades.
The NSW Fire Brigades received numerous triple zero calls just after 10.30 am. Five brigades were immediately responded. Resources included a ladder truck and a rescue unit.
When crews arrived they found the top level of a vacant two level brick industrial building heavily involved in fire and requested assistance from another five crews and ladder truck. Firefighters then concentrated on preventing the fire from spreading through the entire factory and protecting a transport company next door.
Ladder trucks were positioned to direct elevated water streams into the fiercely burning second level. The intense fire caused the roof to collapse at the rear and the walls also began to show signs of weakening. This prompted the temporary closure of an adjacent rail line. The line was reopened after 30 minutes. Police closed Coulson St for the duration of the operation.
Firefighting operations lasted for about an hour before the fire was contained. The second level was extensively damaged by fire while the lower section sustained heat, smoke and water damage. There were no injuries.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Police.