News

Neighbours evacuate after fire destroys home

DOZENS of Merrylands residents were shaken from their sleep by a house fire in the early hours of last Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called to Burford Street and found a house well ablaze at 3.40am, however NSW police have been told that an explosion was heard at about 2.45am.
As a consequence, the fire is being treated as suspicious and police have appealed for any information from the public.
No one was inside the home at the time, but people from unit complexes on either side of the property, were evacuated as a precaution, with some residents unable to return until after 9am.
Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters brought the fire under control by 6am; however, the house was destroyed.
Neighbour Michael Robbins said when he was woken by a noise he went to the balcony of his unit which overlooks the house.
“It was just ablaze,” he said.
“It spread pretty quickly.
“When it took hold, you could smell something chemical and there was some pretty thick black smoke.
“It was pretty terrifying to wake up and find the house next door on fire. Adrenaline really kicks into you at that point.”
Anyone with information about the fire is urged to contact Merrylands Police on 9897 4199 or Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.