14 December 2023, Fire & Rescue NSW and the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) committed significant resources in an effort to contain a fire that was ripping through the Hunter region of New South Wales. Strong and erratic winds caused several large spot fires to kick off ahead of the main fire, making conditions and coordination difficult. Several structures were damaged or completely destroyed, including a tyre business.
Firefighters also faced the challenge of defending a large hospital that was in the direct path of the fire and was not able to be evacuated due to the number of staff and frail patients within. Crews effectively protected both the hospital building and its occupants but unfortunately a large commercial tyre shop, Teasdale Tyres, was destroyed by fire despite firefighters’ efforts.
Upon arrival, we were met with fire making its way into the rear of the building, backed by strong winds, while the adjacent tyre yard was fully involved in fire. Our immediate focus was on protecting the nearby house exposure and then working to extinguish the rapidly escalating fire.
Cessnock Fire & Rescue Station
The incident presented significant challenges in the form of extreme heat and wind, and to make matters worse, the building’s electricity was still live. The production of large amounts of toxic smoke from the burning tyres under the strong wind presented a problem, particularly with the proximity to the high-voltage power lines.
We were able to save the neighbouring house, which only sustained minor heat damage to the rear of its shed.
A total of 50 Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and 60 NSW RFS crews, comprising over 400 firefighters, were deployed in the firefighting efforts.
Photos: NSW RFS Darlington Brigade, Sydney Emergency, Cessnock FRNSW Minmi FRNSW
