Late yesterday evening, emergency services were called to a severe house fire in East Kurrajong, leaving a large family home in ruins. At 6:21 PM, the East Kurrajong Rural Fire Service (RFS) was activated, with reports indicating a house engulfed in flames and fire already spreading through the roof by the time they arrived.

Additional crews from the NSW RFS Glossodia Brigade and other units from the Hawkesbury District arrived shortly after, bringing support. Wilberforce RFS said responders faced challenging conditions due to the intensity of the fire and the threat of explosion from two large LPG cylinders on the property’s verandah.

“Our heavy tanker arrived just after, and with NSW RFS - Glossodia Brigade in tow we were able to cool down and eventually remove two large LPG cylinders from the verandah,” Wilberforce RFS said on Facebook. “Several of our members assisted with breathing apparatus (BA) operations, improvised a water supply, established breathing apparatus control, and performed fire suppression using our ground monitor.”

Multiple brigades, including those from Wilberforce, Tennyson, and specialised support from Hawkesbury Bulk Water and Hawkesbury PC Charlie, coordinated on-site for more than five hours. With limited water supply adding to the difficulties, firefighters used all available resources, drawing water from a swimming pool, an irrigation system, and a nearby dam to sustain the suppression efforts.

The Windsor and Richmond Fire and Rescue NSW teams joined the RFS in managing the fire, with both services employing breathing apparatus and ground monitors to tackle the blaze. However, despite their combined efforts, the structure could not be saved due to the extent of the fire upon their arrival.

Thankfully, all occupants of the home were able to evacuate without injury. The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, though early assessments are underway. 

This incident involved various local firefighting units, from both RFS and Fire and Rescue NSW.

Friends of the family are asking the community for donations to help provide immediate support. Donations of clothing and essentials are needed for two young boys (clothing sizes 4 and 6; shoe sizes 9 and 12), an adult male (XL clothing), and an adult female (clothing size 12, shoe size 9). The family greatly appreciates any assistance during this challenging time.