Two elderly people have died after being pulled from a “thick and intense” house fire in Sydney’s west early on Wednesday morning.
Neighbours tried in vain to force their way inside to rescue an 81-year-old man and a 75-year-old woman from the home, which emergency responders said did not have active smoke detectors and was difficult to access.
Fire and rescue were first called to the two-level home in Lily Street, Wetherill Park, at 6.42am.
The crew of six fire trucks and 24 firefighters arrived at the scene “under extreme fire conditions”, where a number of neighbours were already trying to get access to the house.
“The smoke was so thick they couldn’t see the second level,” Superintendent Adam Dewberry said.
“They knew two elderly people were inside … They did a wonderful job, pulling the door open, wedging open the roller door.
“Unfortunately the fire was too well advanced … the fire was thick and intense.”
Firefighters located the two people inside and ambulance paramedics attempted resuscitation. Both people were confirmed deceased by paramedics who attended, Dewberry said.
Fire and Rescue are now looking at where the fire started and how.
Acting commissioner for Fire and Rescue NSW, Megan Stiffler, said the tragedy was a timely reminder of the elevated hazards in homes during winter.
Electric blankets and heaters should be checked annually and anyone with enhanced security on their doors should have a fire evacuation plan.
“You must know your escape plan, you must know where your keys are,” she said.
The home did not have active smoke detectors and firefighters were forced to use equipment to gain access.
“The neighbours tried to make entry but all the windows and doors of the home had security and without the right tools from Fire and Rescue it is almost impossible to make entry with your bare hands.”
