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Deputy commissioner (and acting commissioner at the time of the incident) Jeremy Fewtrell has reflected on how the structural collapse was a “great risk” to firefighters’ safety.
“As we saw very dramatically, the walls of the building collapsed fairly early in the stages of firefight,” Fewtrell said.
“I was very impressed with the decisions that were made by the initial commanders on the scene and also the acts of the firefighters to be alert to that possibility of structural collapse to put in place the appropriate safety measures.”
He said he was relieved to hear all crews were safe and well after the collapse.
”It very easily could have been a very different situation with injuries or even death to firefighters having occurred.
“So the decisions and the actions of those first arriving commanders took had a very profound impact on the safety of firefighters and I really appreciate their work.
“It was certainly very confronting and it was certainly one of those ones where you think to yourself ‘I’ve really got to be on top of my game today and make sure everyone is doing their best’.”
Due to “significant works” needing to be completed at 1-5 Randle Street, “it may be several weeks before the building can be re-occupied”.
The buildings affected are now being dealt with by their owners and managers.
About 140 affected residents have been offered emergency accommodation while repairs are undertaken.
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Fewtrell said firefighters did “tremendous work” in minimising the damage to the other buildings and keeping those residents safe.
“It’s a reminder of why we have the fire safety regulations and the fire safety systems installed in buildings to keep us all safe,” he said.
Fewtrell said the abandoned building was being upgraded so it met standards but the fire was “unfortunate timing”.
The building was completely destroyed with the owners said to be devastated a development application for a revamped five-star hotel will not go ahead.
“These days that is something you don’t normally come across so it really was a big wake-up call or reminder of how rapidly these types of older buildings that don’t have provisions in them can become involved in a fire,” Fewtrell said.
Rubble and destruction the day after ‘once in a decade’ blaze
NSW Minister for emergency services Jihad Dib said the firefighters were an “exceptional breed of human beings”.
“When others were running away from danger, they are the ones who were there to protect the community,” he said.
Drivers and pedestrians have been reminded that Chalmers Street and Randle Street between Cleveland Street and Elizabeth Street remain closed.
Four teenagers have spoken to police in relation to the fire. No charges have been laid.
