Newcastle Herald Details Evacuations After Garbage Truck Blaze
Residents Evacuated Amid Garbage Truck Fire
Residents of Alto Apartments at Charlestown experienced a tense morning when a garbage truck erupted into flames. Occurring in the loading dock on Hopetoun Street, safety crews swiftly responded to the alarming scene.
Reaction from Locals
Vicki Clement, a resident at Alto Apartments, reported smelling smoke prior to the fire alarm activating. In her words, "It just kept getting stronger and stronger," indicating her concern over the situation as it intensified.
She expressed fear for the driver, believing he was safely evacuated before the fire escalated. The burning truck prompted questions about its potential to explode due to the flammability of its contents.
Firefighting Response
- Six fire trucks and 24 firefighters were deployed.
- The blaze began around 7:56 AM.
- Firefighters utilized foam to suppress the flames.
A Fire and Rescue NSW spokesperson confirmed that two of the six responding crews were working hard to extinguish the fire, which continued to burn well into the morning hours without reports of injuries.
Investigation Underway
While the cause of the fire remains undetermined, it is suspected that improper items were discarded in the garbage truck, leading to this hazardous incident.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.