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Canberra Today 14°/16° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Narrabundah unit complex fire

fire brigade

FIRE crews are working to extinguish a fire in a unit complex in Narrabundah.

ACT Fire & Rescue was alerted to the fire in Mindarie Street at 2:42am.

Update to follow.

03:21


The unit is well alight. Firefighters are trying to prevent it from spreading to adjoining units.

The complex of approximately ten units has been evacuated.

There are four ACT Fire & Rescue pumpers on scene as well as the ACT Ambulance Service and ACT Policing.

03:32


The fire has spread to one adjoining unit but is now believed to be contained.

The Bronto aerial firefighting appliance is also on scene with firefighters checking the roof space for fire.

03:51


Firefighters have extinguished the fire and are working to knock put out hot spots from outside because the building’s structure is unsafe.

Firefighters in the Bronto aerial appliance of providing fire crews with visual updates from above the building.

One two level unit, where the fire is believed to have started, has been destroyed with an adjoining one extensively damaged. The rest of the complex has also been filled with smoke.

04:12


Further inspection has found only a small amount of damage to the units on either side of the the one that has been destroyed, not extensive damage as previously stated.

The HAZMAT crew are currently undertaking atmospheric monitoring in the remaining seven units of the complex to ensure the smoke has cleared before allowing occupants back inside.

Approximately 30 people were evacuated from the complex.

The initial estimated damage bill is $500,000.

The cause is unknown but the scene will be handed from ACT Fire & Rescue to ACT Policing forensics officers to investigate.

04:45


ACT Fire & Rescue advise Narrabundah residents in close proximity to Mindarie Street, especially those with breathing difficulties, to keep their windows and doors closed this morning due to the presence of smoke in the air.

There is no danger to the community from the smoke. This advice is simply to prevent the smoke or the smell of it from entering homes.

05:42

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