Man Dies in Unit Fire Opposite Fort Scratchley

A man has died after a fire engulfed a unit in Newcastle East on Monday afternoon, with witnesses reporting a loud explosion before flames took hold.

Emergency services were called to Colliers Close, Newcastle East, at about 3:50 pm on Monday, 17 March 2025, following multiple Triple Zero (000) calls reporting a unit fire.

Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry confirmed that six fire trucks and 22 firefighters responded to the scene, arriving to find the unit well alight. Given initial reports that a resident was unaccounted for, firefighters moved swiftly to both extinguish the flames and conduct a search and rescue operation.

During their search, firefighters located a man inside the burning unit, suffering severe burns. They brought him out to a clear area, but he could not be revived. While he has not yet been formally identified, police believe he was in his 60s and a long-term resident of the complex.

Explosion Heard Before Fire Took Hold
Neighbours reported hearing a loud explosion from the unit before seeing flames rapidly spread. It remains unclear whether the explosion was the cause of the fire or a result of the blaze.

Fire crews worked for about 40 minutes to bring the fire under control, remaining on-site afterwards to ensure it did not reignite. Firefighters also ventilated the building and inspected for hotspots in the roof void and wall cavities.

Crime Scene Established, Investigation Underway
Newcastle City Police have established a crime scene, and specialist investigators from Fire and Rescue NSW and police forensics will examine the scene to determine the cause of the fire.

The extent of the damage was described as “well destroyed”, with firefighters confirming that the unit suffered significant structural loss.

Authorities will prepare a report for the coroner, and investigations into the cause of the fire remain ongoing.

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