‘Suspicious’ blaze continues to burn in Sydney’s south-west
Hundreds of firefighters are continuing to battle a fire which is believed to have been deliberately lit in Sydney’s south-west.
The ferocious fire started in a densely populated area of Casula before gathering speed and ripping through the Holsworthy military barracks.
It’s burned through over 2,500 hectares of bushland, wrapping around homes at Barden Ridge and Menai.
Residents gathered in the streets, with many determined to stay behind and fight to protect their homes.
NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons tells Macquarie Radio’s Chris Kenny there’s a long way to go.
“It continues to be very active today. We haven’t got any serious injury, we haven’t got any serious property damage or property loss which is a remarkable effort.
“We’re treating this as suspicious. We’re not yet firming up that it has been deliberately lit.
“Whether it’s this fire or any fire, when we do find out it’s been deliberately lit, it’s sickening. It’s reprehensible.”
Firefighters are hoping to capitalise on milder conditions overnight and bring the blaze under control.
Backburning operations have been suspended as strong winds persist but will resume when conditions improve.
Click PLAY below to hear from RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons
It’s a tinderbox @2GB873 #menai #sydneybushfires pic.twitter.com/Uju2kPUP5E
— Roshai Murdoch (@roshaimurdoch) April 15, 2018
For the latest updates on where the fire is burning, click HERE
Image: Fire and Rescue NSW