Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have extinguished a house fire at Cessnock near Newcastle, leaving the single-level home destroyed.
More than 16 firefighters and four fire trucks responded to a number of Triple Zero (000) calls to the home on Jeffries Street just after 7.00 am.
FRNSW crews
FRNSW crews found the house fully engulfed in fire, with flames visible through the roof
On arrival, FRNSW crews found the house fully engulfed in fire, with flames visible through the roof. Firefighters quickly got to work, attacking the blaze internally, but they were forced to withdraw and continue operations from outside due to significant roof collapse.
It took approximately one hour to get the fire under control and contained, and there were no reported injuries. Initial investigations have indicated that the fire was likely caused by an overloaded power board.
FRNSW recommends
- Only use power boards with built-in safety switches/circuit breakers.
- Do not overload power boards.
- Place power boards on their sides to prevent dust buildup in unused points.
- Regularly check that all plugs are firmly fixed in power boards.
- Ensure adequate ventilation is provided for power boards.
- Regularly inspect power boards and leads for signs of damage and degradation
