Local Fire and Rescue has revealed no buildings were lost following a car wreckage fire that could be seen from kilometres away. Photo: Supplied.
Despite towering smoke and flames visible from kilometres away, Wagga Fire & Rescue has stated that no buildings surrounding a fire at the Fernleigh Road car wreckers were damaged.
Wagga zone commander Daryl Manson said the blaze was first noticed by a man who was working at the rear of the complex.
Mr Manson explained that the staff member noticed sparks and called triple zero immediately, but due to residual fuel and high temperatures, the fire spread quickly from car to car across the west side of the yard before reaching the rail corridor behind the complex, starting a grass fire.
Local Fire and Rescue has revealed no buildings were lost following a car wreckage fire that could be seen from kilometres away. Photo: Rose Finch.
Mr Manson confirmed it took around nine hours to contain the fire at the car yard, with initial concerns that it would spread to a brand-new apartment complex built near the yard.
“Our biggest concern was that once the fire really took control, there were newly-constructed commercial units there, and they were heavily impacted by the flame,” he said.
“The fire was 18 metres high, and there was a lot of radiant heat. It was a major priority to make sure we didn’t let it spread to those new buildings.”
Mr Manson said over 22 Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service (RFS) NSW trucks were called to the scene and were able to ensure that the only building affected by the fire was the car yard.
“We’re really happy with the outcome,” he said.
“First and foremost, the main building of the Wagga metal recycling was protected and didn’t burn down. So no buildings were lost throughout.
“We put a lot of effort into that, a lot of crews, a lot of water, and we were very happy with the outcome, to not lose any structures.”
View of the fire from the highway. Photo: Rose Finch.
Mr Manson applauded the work of both Fire and Rescue and RFS during this summer period, which has seen record high and prolonged temperatures across the Riverina.
“We’re really proud of all the people who have worked to keep people safe this summer,” he said.
“We’re prepared for anything 24/7. The training and preparation we do in collaboration with other services is all about making sure we’re ready when we are called out.
“We try to do that job for everyone throughout the year, whether it be a single house fire or a big blaze as we saw over the weekend.”
Original Article published by Jarryd Rowley on Region Riverina.
