Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews who battled a major building fire in Surry Hills have received special recognition from the City of Sydney.
The intense ’10th alarm’ blaze destroyed an historic Randle Street warehouse on 25 May, with more than 130 firefighters and 20 fire trucks working over several hours to bring it under control.
Their extraordinary efforts stopped the inferno from spreading to neighbouring high-rise buildings, including apartments, and prevented any serious injury and loss of life.
Over the following days, FRNSW also deployed relieving crews to douse hotspots, as well as experts from Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) to help police examine the cause and circumstances of the incident.
Today, City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore AO formally acknowledged the efforts of the emergency services personnel with a reception at Town Hall, during which she presented group certificates of appreciation.
FRNSW Acting Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell, alongside other senior FRNSW representatives and two of the firefighting crews, accepted the honours on behalf of all who contributed to the FRNSW response.
“I wanted to bring our emergency service workers together to say thank you for averting what could have been a disaster of catastrophic proportions at Randle Street,” City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said.
“The fire took hold next to the biggest and busiest railway station in Australia. Through their quick thinking and clear communications, emergency service workers contained the fire, with no injuries or loss of life.
“This is to be commended, and I am proud to acknowledge this effort with a special ceremony and certificate at Town Hall as a show of the City’s appreciation.”
“This fire was a once-in-a-decade test of our preparedness, and each of the responding firefighters rose to the challenge confronting them,” Acting Commissioner Fewtrell said.
“Our firefighters’ extensive training and preparation meant they were able to quickly get on top of this major incident while keeping the local community safe and re-assured.
“Today’s acknowledgement by the City of Sydney is much appreciated and well deserved.”
Other agencies involved in the emergency response, including NSW Police and NSW Ambulance, were acknowledged during today’s mayoral reception.