By KhabarAsia.com Staff
A large grass fire that erupted on Wednesday in southwestern Sydney has been brought under control after threatening homes and causing widespread concern among residents. Swift action by over 80 firefighters prevented the blaze from causing more extensive damage.
The fire ignited shortly before 2 p.m. at a former amusement park site located at the corner of Camden Valley Way and Cowpasture Road. Strong winds fanned the flames, causing the fire to spread rapidly in an easterly direction over 12 hectares.
Fire and Rescue New South Wales (FRNSW), along with the Rural Fire Service and the Rail Fire and Emergency Service, responded promptly. They were supported by New South Wales Police, NSW Ambulance, and Transport for NSW. More than 20 fire units, including bushfire tankers, were deployed to combat the blaze, with two helicopters assisting by waterbombing the affected area.
“Our crews acted quickly to protect homes and contain the fire under challenging conditions,” said a spokesperson for FRNSW. “The strong winds significantly increased the difficulty of the operation.”
The fire damaged two buildings, including an abandoned home, multiple outbuildings, and several caravans and trailers. One firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation, while another sustained an eye injury due to smoke debris. A civilian was also treated at home for chest pains by paramedics.
By evening, the fire was downgraded from an “emergency warning” to the “advice” level, indicating that the immediate threat had diminished. Firefighters are now engaged in mopping-up operations to extinguish remaining spot fires at the scene.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or new fires immediately.
Grass fires are a significant concern in Australia’s hot and dry seasons, and this incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers. Communities are encouraged to have bushfire survival plans in place and stay informed through official channels.
Reference(s):
Major grass fire under control after threatening homes in SW Sydney
cgtn.com
