Fire in High Voltage Easement Threatened Homes in Warabrook but Contained by Fire & Rescue NSW

31 August 2024

Image of Fire by Troy Harvey

On Saturday afternoon, 31st August 2024, at around 3:30 pm, a fire broke out in the high voltage powerline easement behind homes on Decora Crescent, Warabrook. Fire & Rescue NSW promptly responded, deploying multiple appliances to the scene. Firefighters laid out long lines of hoses, some stretching approximately 550 metres, to combat the blaze, while additional hoses were run through the side of a home located between Decora Crescent and towards the easement to access the fire from multiple points.

By 4:40 pm, a large number of cars and spectators had gathered at the scene, prompting Fire & Rescue NSW to request police assistance to manage the crowd and ensure safety.

Newy 87.8 FM observed that the fire had scorched an area of roughly 400 metres in length along the southern side of the peninsula. Although most of the flames had been extinguished by the time of our arrival, firefighters continued to work on a small section located northwest of Angophora Street.

The high voltage easement, bordered by a train line leading to Kooragang Island, the Pacific Highway/Maitland Road, and a nearby lagoon, posed a significant challenge due to its proximity to critical infrastructure and residential properties.

By approximately 5:52 pm, the fire appeared to be under control, though firefighters remained on-site to ensure the area was fully extinguished. Some fire appliances were seen leaving the site around 6:00 pm.

Concerned residents gathered in the street and on their back verandas overlooking the easement, observing the situation closely. Thanks to the swift and effective response by Fire & Rescue NSW, no homes were damaged, and the electricity infrastructure in the area remained unaffected.