Vineyard, October 26, 2023 – NSW Rural Fire Service Oakville and Fire & Rescue 081 Windsor responded to a rubbish fire in Vineyard. Within minutes, the incident escalated to a fire involving a truck loaded with pallets, eventually culminating in a 2nd alarm structure fire and a large response from both agencies.
Upon their arrival, the responding crews were met with a complex landscape of machinery and extensive stacks of pallets, which was further compounded by the presence of numerous gas cylinders and earthmoving equipment. The fire involved a variety of materials, including multiple pallet stacks, a large truck, tyres, LPG cylinders, and various road construction equipment and supplies. A 200-liter holding tank of oil was also under threat on arrival.
Firefighters first focused on exposure protection, working to prevent further spread to pallet stacks and to shield nearby containers and machinery. On-site workers assisted by relocating equipment, such as forklifts, to safer areas.
To make things even more complex, the incident also threatened the adjacent rail line, as a grassfire ignited at the rear of the property and encroached upon the railway corridor.
Speaking with Oakville Brigade, they highlighted the water supply challenge faced during the operation, stating that blocked or rusted hydrants in the area prevented crews from accessing the water they needed, and as a result, multiple bulk water carriers from Round Corner Rural Fire Brigade, Cumberland District, and Glendenning were responded to assist.
The incident was contained after 2 hours, with no reports of injuries.
Stations in attendance
Fire & Rescue 081 Station, Windsor |
NSW Rural Fire Service Oakville Brigade |
Schofields Rural Fire Brigade |
Rouse Hill Rural Fire Brigade |
Fire & Rescue NSW Station 096 Schofields |
Fire & Rescue NSW Station 032 Mt Druitt |
Fire & Rescue NSW Station 078 Ropes Crossing |
Fire & Rescue NSW Station 097 Huntingwood |
Round Corner Rural Fire Brigade |
Cumberland District |
Glendenning |