https://www.xxzza1.com
18.6 C
Newcastle

Wickham fire ‘under control’, battle continues

SHARE

After an intense battle in Wickham yesterday Fire and Rescue NSW crews have managed to control the large factory fire on Annie Street. 

It remains contained to two of four large adjoining brick warehouses by crews from Newcastle and the surrounding regions.

“The inferno took four hours to bring under control,” a statement said.

Crews remain at the scene and extinguishing the fire may still take a number of hours due to the significant risk the buildings may collapse. 

More than 100 firefighters attacked the blaze after it broke out around 2.30pm in the four-storey former woolshed.

The huge fire spread quickly, escalating to a “10th alarm” blaze, the highest category available, and engulfed a second, identical storage building next door.

Fire crews from 30 trucks successfully prevented the flames spreading to a third such auction house and an adjacent depot of fuel tanks, containing more than eight million litres of diesel and unleaded.

The exterior walls of the two gutted buildings are threatening to topple, while the blaze also released asbestos from the ceilings of the properties.

About 40 people were evacuated from the oil storage facility and a nearby building. 

Nearby residents from 50 houses and 200 units were also evacuated to a centre, set up at the Goodlife Church in Albert Street, Wickham.

A major clean-up will be underway this morning to ensure the area is safe for evacuees to return. 

The cause of the fire is to be determined.

Residents are urged to avoid the area – those in the local vicinity are advised to close their doors and windows and turn off air conditioning units while fire firefighting operations are underway.

Newcastle Weekly would love to hear from you about a story idea you have in the Hunter region. Click here to submit a news tip.

More Stories

Newcastle Weekly

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe to Newcastle Weekly. News, Community, Lifestyle, Property delivered direct to your inbox! 100% Local, 100% Free.

You have Successfully Subscribed!