Narrabri firefighters arrived at the scene of a house fire in Barwan street early this morning with reports that it was feared people were trapped in the burning home.
Narrabri station commander Shane Bradford acknowledged that there was serious concern for any occupants’ safety as the house was well alight when the brigades arrive quickly after the 4.30am alarm was raised.
Despite fears for human safety, the house was found to be empty, except for a cat that did not survive the fire.
The cause of the fire is not known and the weatherboard house at Barwan Street was completely destroyed, station commander Bradford said.
“It was reported initially that six children and one or perhaps two adults were possibly trapped,” Shane said.
Four firefighters immediately entered the house in a search and rescue operation, followed by a secondary search but fortunately no one was inside.
“It was a very hot fire. The adjoining house needed to be protected because it was so close.
The presence of asbestos in the building necessitated the attendance of the Hazmat unit.
Police and fire authorities are ascertaining the cause of the fire
