Two adults and a child have died and three others have been seriously injured in a devastating fire in Sydney’s west on Sunday morning.
Six people were evacuated from the Hinchinbrook house which was well alight when firefighters and rescue crews arrived.
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Paramedics first reported that two people were confirmed dead and a 10-year-old boy had been taken to Westmead Children’s Hospital in a critical condition.
His death was confirmed on Sunday afternoon.
A man in his 40s and a woman in her 60s were taken to Concord Hospital, where they remain in critical and stable condition, respectively.
A woman in her 30s was taken to Liverpool Hospital, where she remains in a stable condition.
Three of the residents reportedly went into cardiac arrest during the evacuation.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews responded to the fire which engulfed a two-level duplex house on Rottnest Ave about 5.40am, with the house well alight when they arrived.
Two firefighters were also treated for injuries.
One firefighter suffered a mild electric shock on a windowsill while entering, while another firefighter fell 20 feet from the upper level of the house.
Firefighters say there was no smoke detector installed in the residence, prompting a safety alert from authorities. Credit: 7NEWS
“The fire was intense, and I just want to acknowledge the work done by the first teams that arrived. They had a house fire when they arrived. Without regard for their own safety they entered. They felt there were people missing,” FRNSW Deputy Commissioner Megan Stiffler said.
NSW Ambulance intensive care paramedic Dominic Carr said: “We had eight patients in total, including two firefighters.”
Three people, including a child, have died after six people were pulled from a horrific fire in Sydney’s west on Sunday morning. Credit: 7NEWS
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but firefighters reported that there were no smoke detectors installed in the home, prompting a severe safety warning.
“Smoke alarms save lives,” FRNSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said.
“Nearly 50 percent of homes affected by fire this winter did not have a working smoke alarm.” We urge all residents to take action and check their smoke detectors today and if you have any questions about what is needed, contact your local fire marshal. station.”
The house was well alight when NSW Fire and Rescue crews arrived to tackle the blaze. Credit: 7NEWS
FRNSW has responded to more than 500 residential fires since the start of June, with 13 people losing their lives in fires this winter, nine more fatalities than all of last winter. Firefighters say 50 fire-related injuries have also been reported.
On Sunday, first responders immediately called for reinforcements to help fight the blaze, after they were told there were people trapped inside the house.
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Paramedics and police also responded.
Paramedics reported treating a person who had suffered severe burns to his face and body, and who later went into cardiac arrest.
A short time later, two more people were found injured, both also in cardiac arrest.
The paramedics assisted by two road medical teams, police and firemen treated the three injured.
Ten fire engines and two paramedic teams were at the scene in Sydney’s west. Credit: 7NEWS It is understood that three people evacuated from the home suffered a cardiac arrest. Paramedics took one child to hospital, but two other people died. Credit: 7NEWS
Police established a crime scene, which will be examined by specialist forensic police.
The circumstances of the fire are under investigation and the cause has not yet been determined.
Reports will be prepared for the coroner’s information.