Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has confirmed that a New Year's Eve house fire in Leonay, located in the western part of Sydney, was ignited by faulty Christmas tree lights.
The incident occurred around 11:30 pm on December 31, when the fire erupted on the second floor of a residence on River Road. Fortunately, no one was inside the home at the time.
Swift Firefighting Response
Eight FRNSW firefighting units, including a specialized aerial appliance, were dispatched to the scene. They were supported by the Rural Fire Service as they battled the blaze from four different angles.
Crews had successfully cleared the ground floor when the roof started to collapse. Firefighters were forced to retreat and then used ladders to access the second floor, carefully maneuvering around an LPG cylinder that was engulfed in flames on the balcony.
Intense Conditions Managed
It took an additional five hours to completely extinguish the fire, which left the home severely damaged
The timber flooring contributed to the fire's intensity, but firefighters managed to bring the situation under control after approximately an hour. It took an additional five hours to completely extinguish the fire, which left the home severely damaged.
The investigation revealed that an electrical malfunction related to the family's Christmas tree lights was the initial catalyst for the fire.
Safety Precaution Advisory
Fire and Rescue NSW warns the public to be cautious with Christmas tree lights. They advise never leaving the lights on when leaving the home or going to sleep to prevent similar accidents.
This incident serves as a timely reminder of the risks associated with festive decorations if proper precautions are not taken.
