Monday, October 12, 2009

Hoarding warning after Surrey Hills blaze

TWO Surrey Hills sisters were lucky to escape with their lives after neighbours saved them from a house fire.

The elderly sisters were treated for burns and smoke inhalation after the blaze ripped through their cluttered Kent Rd house.

MFB Burwood station officer Mike Convery said the house was stocked floor to ceiling with bags full of clothes, newspapers and debris.

“It increases the fire load and presents a massive risk, especially for the elderly,” he said. “It’s difficult for firefighters to get in and can be awkward to get anyone out.”

Emergency crews were called to the burning house on Saturday, October 3, in the early hours of the morning. Mr Convery said the women, both in their 80s, had been saved by smoke detectors and praised quick-thinking neighbours for helping get them out alive..." More