Electric stove being used for heating sends Sydney apartment up in flames
An electric stove being used as a makeshift heater was behind a significant fire that severely damaged a Sydney apartment.
Firefighters found smoke pouring out of the second level of an apartment building on Lansdowne Street, Paramatta about 11.45am.
The bedroom of an apartment on the second level was consumed by fire.
The apartment’s residents and neighbours had already evacuated the building before help arrived.
Firefighters put out the blaze, managing to contain the damage to the apartment the fire started in.
Two elderly residents were taken to hospital after suffering minor smoke inhalation.
According to Fire and Rescue NSW, the fire started because the residents had been running portable electric hot plates to try to keep themselves warm.
The radiant heat coming off the plates is believed having ignited a blanket draped over a nearby table.
Superintendent Adam Dewberry said the fire serves as a timely reminder to all owners and landlords that homes must be fitted with a working smoke alarm that are less than 10 years old and tested regularly.
“I would urge the community to be mindful of what equipment they are using to try to heat their home to minimise the risk of fire,” Dewberry also said.
