40 Fire Crews Battle Intense Blaze Through the Night

Nov 13, 2023

In the early hours of this morning, approximately 40 dedicated fire crews worked to combat a ferocious blaze that engulfed a residence on Manns Rd, Wilberforce. The fire began shortly before 3:00 am when authorities received a distress call regarding a structural fire.

The NSW RFS said first responders, led by Wilberforce 1, arrived at the scene and were met with a two-story house consumed by flames on both floors. Teams from Wilberforce, Freemans Reach Rural Fire Brigade, and Fire and Rescue NSW Station 081 donned breathing apparatuses (BA) to attempt to extinguish the blaze. The intense heat and flames proved formidable, forcing these initial crews to retreat.

The intensity of the heat hampered firefighting efforts [Photo: RFS Wilberforce]

Firefighters were able to save neighbouring properties. [Photo: RFS Wilberforce]

Additional reinforcements were summoned from various units to assist. Teams from NSW RFS – Glossodia Brigade, Oakville Rural Fire Brigade, Hawkesbury Headquarters Rural Fire Brigade, Blaxland Ridge Rural Fire Brigade, and Fire and Rescue NSW Station 082 Richmond all attended. A bulk-water carrier from Round Corner Rural Fire Brigade, was called in to ensure there was enough water to fight the fire.

The blaze was extinguished eight hours after receiving the call.

According to the RFS it took approximately four hours and more than 40 firefighters to gain the upper hand and another four to extinguish the blaze.

Firefighters were able to prevent the fire spreading to neighbouring properties. [Photo: RFS Wilberforce]

The house was destroyed however all occupants of the home managed to escape unharmed and firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties.

A fundraising effort for the family has been organised and the link can be found here: https://gofund.me/3640ba58