Police and fire investigators are sifting through the remains of a Spring Farm home used for disability support after a fast moving blaze killed a man and left two other people with minor injuries.
Emergency services were called to Corder Drive just after 12.25am on Saturday after reports a house was on fire, NSW Police said.
Officers arrived to find the building well alight with Fire and Rescue NSW crews later extinguishing the flames. The home was destroyed and a body was found inside.
The man who died has not been formally identified but he was believed to be in his 60s and that the property operated as a disability support home where two people with disability were being cared for.
Police said two other occupants managed to get out and were treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to hospital with minor injuries.
Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry told the ABC the man’s body was found at the rear of the house and described the blaze as extremely intense with significant roof collapse. He said crews deployed 22 firefighters and six trucks.
Fire and Rescue NSW urges all residents to have at least one working smoke alarm on every level of their home as required under NSW law.
Investigators were using drone footage and on ground assessments to map the site and identify where the fire began with Dewberry saying the process involves peeling back debris to locate the lowest areas of burning. Police have established a crime scene and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
Scrutiny on safety in supported accommodation
The fatal fire is likely to sharpen focus on how emergency planning and building safety is managed in supported living settings, where residents may need extra assistance to evacuate quickly.
The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission requires registered providers to notify it about reportable incidents including incidents connected to the supports and services they deliver and sets out expectations for incident management systems.
The incident sits at the intersection of disability care and basic household safety including whether homes have fit for purpose alarms, clear evacuation procedures and adequate overnight staffing for residents with mobility or cognitive impairment.
NSW Police urged anyone with information about the Spring Farm fire to contact Crime Stoppers as the investigation continues.
