Cootamundra, NSW – 19 November 2023 – Firefighters from Cootamundra and surrounding areas spent over 24 hours battling a large fire at a mattress and tyre recycling plant on the outskirts of Cootamundra. The fire rapidly spread throughout the site, consuming mattresses, a 250-ton heap of rubber, and bales of shredded mattresses after originating in a pile of shredded tyres.
The fire was so intense that it deformed the front plastic guards and mirrors on the first arriving appliance, even when it was at full reach with the front-mounted monitor.
Despite the heat of 32 degrees Celsius, the calm weather played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the toxic smoke. Water was also an issue at the scene, with the Cootamundra Shire Council supplying bulk water tankers, which were constantly rotated throughout the incident.
“When we first arrived on scene, we were immediately concerned about the potential for the fire to spread to the surrounding scrap yard, water treatment plant, and farmland,” Captain Marc said. “The intense heat and the presence of hazardous materials posed a significant challenge, but we were able to contain the fire and prevent it from causing any further damage.”
Captain Marc, Cootamundra RFB
The fire was finally extinguished by capping the rubber pile with mineral earth and using monitors to cool the area, with additional experts brought in to monitor the pile as the days continued.
Stations in attendance:
| NSW Rural Fire Service | Fire & Rescue NSW |
|---|---|
| Cootamundra Headquarters Wallendbeen Frampton Stockingbingal Frampton Boara Muttama Cullinga Demondrille Conneys Creek Duduman | Cootamundra Fire Station 266 Gundagai Fire Station 313 Harden Fire Station 389 Temora Fire Station 456 Turvey Park Fire Station 472 Wagga Wagga Fire Station 480 |
Photos from NSW RFS Cootamundra, FRNSW Cootamundra, NSW RFS South West Slopes Zone
