TWO Belmont residents believe they are lucky to have saved their home after a “massive fireball” destroyed an adjoining property in the early hours of Monday.
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Multiple calls to Triple Zero reported a house well alight in Walter Street shortly after 4am, including one from adjoining neighbours who immediately swung into action defending their property from the flames.
Firefighters found a weatherboard structure well alight, immediately getting to work to halt the fire’s advance.
One of the neighbours described the beginning of the fire as a big explosion 30 metres high, which offered a silver lining.
“We were straight out there as soon as we heard it, hosing down the side of the house,” she said. “The explosion did us a big favour. If it was a slow-burning fire, we might not have heard it.”
It is understood the destroyed house had been left vacant for several years. No-one was reported injured in the blaze.
Police are examining the circumstances of the fire.
Matt Carr
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
Matt began his Newcastle Herald career as a cadet in 2009. He is a Walkley nominated reporter who has covered councils, police and general news rounds across the Upper Hunter, Port Stephens, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Newcastle. Now his focus is on digital storytelling and breaking news.
