Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews worked through the night to contain a large fire that destroyed a Richmond River High School building, which was due for demolition, in North Lismore.
At approximately 6:30 pm, more than 50 firefighters and ten fire trucks responded to numerous Triple Zero (000) calls to a fire in a building on Lake Street, with reports of flames and thick smoke.
Fire Containment Success
On arrival, crews were faced with a large expanding fire in a large building located at the front of the school, which was impacting adjoining buildings.
Firefighters successfully established cut off points and contained the fire
Firefighters successfully established cut off points and contained the fire. NSW Police assisted with establishing a 150-meter exclusion zone, with road closures in place on Lake Street, Winterton Parade, Pitt Lane, and Bridge Street, and the public was advised to avoid the area.
The intensity of the fire led to a building collapse at the front of the school, which added to the complexity of the operation. The fire was contained after approximately 2.5 hours, however, firefighters then turned their efforts to protecting adjoining buildings and extinguishing hotspots.
Firefighter Treatment
Crews rotated through the night and into the morning. A FRNSW Remotely Piloted Aircraft System drone was used to assist in identifying and extinguishing remaining hotspots.
Several firefighters were treated at the scene for suspected dehydration and heat exhaustion by NSW Ambulance Paramedics, and one firefighter was transported to hospital as a precaution and has since been cleared and released.
Suspicious Fire Investigation
The cause of the fire is unknown and is being treated as suspicious. The site will be handed over to NSW Police, who will investigate the origin and cause of the fire, with the assistance of FRNSW investigators.
