Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) was working to contain a major fire in a building in Grafton, on the state’s northern rivers yesterday.
‘More than 40 firefighters and 12 fire trucks responded to the inferno inside a large commercial shed on Fitzroy Street, near Hockey Street, just after 4pm,’ said FRNSW in a press release.
‘A significant load of second-hand furniture inside the warehouse is fueling the blaze, which has now caused the structure to collapse and triggered small explosions.
‘The flames are also threatening to spread to several neighbouring businesses and a four-storey government building.
‘One premises next-door contained an armoury, forcing the careful relocation of thousands of rounds of ammunition.
‘100 rounds remain on-site in a secured location.’
The NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, and power and gas companies are assisting the FRNSW-led response.
According to reports one FRNSW firefighter has sustained a minor injury and is being assessed by paramedics.
People are asked to avoid the area while firefighting operations continue.
Local residents are also advised to keep doors, windows and vents shut as smoke from the fire may drift.
Fire contained
The fire was contained by firefighters by 2.30am this morning and the Casino FRNSW stayed on site overnight to monitor for flare ups.
Local FRNSW Ballina, Woolgoolga, Yamba, Lismore an dGoonellabah were among the responding crews.
Once extinguished, the cause of the fire will be investigated by FRNSW’s Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) and local police.
