Rescued from their burning homes

A 66 year-old Deniliquin man and his 57 year-old female neighbour both had to be rescued from their burning Edwardes St homes.

Both residents were treated for smoke inhalation, and the woman also received some minor burns.

Police officers who entered the woman’s home were also treated for smoke inhalation.

The emergency call came in about 2.40am, with initial reports of one home being on fire.

By the time Deniliquin-based emergency services arrived on scene, the flames had already spread to the neighbouring home.

Murray River Police District Detective Chief Inspector Jy Brown said emergency services found the man asleep inside the first home, and “dragged him to safety”.

Two police officers entered the second home and removed a woman.

“A crime scene has been established, with investigations into the circumstances surrounding being investigated by detectives,” Det Chief Insp Brown said.

“As inquiries continue, police are appealing for anyone with information about this incident, or dashcam or CCTV from the area to contact police or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.”

With two homes already impacted and burning with intensity, other nearby homes were evacuated.

Deniliquin FRNSW Captain Martin Smith said the Jerilderie and Finley FRNSW brigades were called on to help with the firefighting efforts, along with Deniliquin NSW Rural Fire Service brigade.

Jerilderie Captain John Crittenden said his crews received the call for help about 3.21am, with firefighters returning home at 9.30am.

He said the result was “devastating” for the property owners.

Deniliquin firefighters were eventually stood down at 1.30pm, with the fire declared officiall extinguised two hours earlier.

“Additional crews from Finley and Jerilderie Fire + Rescue were called upon to the incident to assist in firefighting and BA (breathing apparatus) rotation.

“The New South Wales Rural Fire Service also attended to assist in property protection and firefighting operations, whilst police assisted in evacuating people from neighbouring properties affected by the threat of fire and smoke hazards.”