Fire fighters awarded for bravery after Redfern blaze

Eight firefighters have been recognised for going beyond the call of duty when a fire tore through a three-storey building in Redfern last November.
Emergency Services Minister, Nathan Rees, said the firefighters received the Commissioner’s Commendation for Courageous Action for their efforts in rescuing three people trapped by smoke and flames.
Firefighters Gregory Wettengel, David Wilkie, Kurt Ingle, Nicholas Baker, Scott Thomas, Kyle Mathiesen and Station Officers Brendan Cox and Kevin Conroy were recipients of the Commendation.
At about 8.15am on the morning of November 15 last year, firefighters from Redfern and Alexandria stations were called to a unit fire located above a shop on Regent Street in Redfern.
On arrival at the scene, the firefighters rescued a semi-conscious woman suffering smoke inhalation from the staircase of the building and were told another two people were trapped inside the blazing building.
When firefighters went inside, the black smoke was so intense they could barely see what was ahead of them. The firefighters performed a search, crawling on their hands and knees beneath the billowing smoke, while wearing breathing apparatus.
On approach to a room that was well alight, firefighters heard a second woman screaming.
Using a high pressure hose to keep flames away, firefighters located the woman under a barred window. Covering her with a quilt, they carried her down a staircase to safety.
During the fire, firefighters also rescued a man who suffered serious burns, performing vital first aid on the victim before paramedics arrived. Sadly, the man later died in hospital from his injuries.
Mr Rees said the awards honour exceptional acts of courage and highlight the crucial work of our firefighters in protecting the community from fire and other emergencies.
“The selfless actions of these firefighters undoubtedly saved lives that day and stopped the fire spreading to adjoining properties.
“The fire was so severe it destroyed the third level of the building and most of the second floor.
“These firefighters are a credit to the Fire Brigade and to the wider NSW community and I commend them for their efforts.”