A fast-moving grass fire in Sydney's south-west that threatened homes and left several people injured has been downgraded from emergency warning to advice level. The blaze, which started in a former amusement park in Leppington, was fueled by strong winds and high temperatures, prompting an emergency alert for residents in Horningsea Park and Edmonson Park.
About 130 firefighters and 20 fire trucks, supported by two water-bombing aircraft, are working to fully extinguish the fire. Several firefighters suffered injuries, including smoke inhalation and eye irritation from embers and soot. Two civilians reported chest pains and anxiety and were assessed by paramedics at their homes.
NSW Rural Fire Service Inspector Ben Shepherd said some properties may have been damaged, but it was unclear whether these were homes or sheds. 'We have yet to assess that, there were homes that were under direct threat,' he said. 'We know there were also some equipment and some sheds that have been damaged.'
Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Greg Wright noted the fire's rapid spread was unsurprising given the conditions. 'Fires can start in an instant and can quickly spread, especially under the conditions we had today,' he said. The cause of the fire is under investigation by fire crews and police.
Road closures are in place on Camden Valley Way and Bringelly Road between Talana Hill Drive and Skyline Crescent. Train services on the T2 Inner West and Leppington line are suspended between Glenfield and Leppington. A separate fire in the Spring Farm area, which was at Watch and Act level, has also been downgraded to Advice.
