Kitchen Fire Exposes Alleged Gun Stash in Mount Ousley Residence
A routine response to a kitchen fire has unexpectedly uncovered an alleged cache of firearms in a Mount Ousley home, sparking a major police investigation. The incident began when a concerned neighbour, hearing a persistent smoke alarm, dialled triple zero at 7.23pm on Sunday, March 1, prompting the dispatch of two fire trucks to the scene on Greenslopes Avenue.
Upon entering the property, firefighters discovered burnt food on the stove and, more alarmingly, numerous firearms stored nearby. A NSW Police spokesman confirmed that the weapons were allegedly kept in an unsafe manner, leading officers from the Wollongong Police District to execute a search warrant on Monday, March 2.
Ongoing Police Operation and Evidence Collection
The search remained active for over 12 hours, with police and detectives meticulously bagging evidence at the two-storey home. Witnesses reported seeing officers placing handfuls of bullets into brown evidence bags and cataloguing items on a trestle table set up in the front yard. Neighbours watched as the operation unfolded, with one recalling firefighters using a torch during the initial emergency.
At this stage, no arrests have been made, and police inquiries are continuing. The seized items are undergoing forensic examination to determine the full scope of the alleged offences.
Firearms Statistics in the Illawarra Region
This discovery highlights broader concerns about gun ownership in the Illawarra area. According to recent data, there are 27,729 registered firearms in the region, with many licence holders possessing three or more guns. The 2530 postcode, encompassing Dapto, Koonawarra, Horsley, and Kanahooka, has the highest number at 3,705 firearms.
In the 2519 postcode, which includes Mount Ousley, Balgownie, Fairy Meadow, Fernhill, and Mount Pleasant, there were 1,331 registered guns as of 2024, a slight increase from previous years. Notably, one individual in this postcode owns 159 firearms, underscoring the prevalence of multiple-gun ownership in the community.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with improperly stored weapons and the critical role of community vigilance in reporting emergencies.
