By Callum Ludwig
The help of six local CFA crews was required when a garage fire broke out on Beenak Road in Wandin at about 4.45pm on Thursday 11 May.
The Wandin Fire Brigade was supported by the Seville Rural Fire Brigade, Mt Evelyn Fire Brigade, Yellingbo Rural Fire Brigade, Silvan Fire Brigade and the Bayswater Fire Brigade and their breathing apparatus unit at the scene.
Wandin Fire Brigade Captain Darryn Goss said upon turning out, the crew noticed a thick black column of smoke, which showed that there was an active fire on site.
“We requested additional resources and upon arrival, we found a going garage fire which started to encroach on the house as well. Crews from Wandin started to suppress the garage and contain the fire as best they can, whilst additional resources arrived,” he said.
“After the specialty breathing apparatus vehicle arrived, crews then donned breathing apparatus and entered their house and started to extinguish the fire. Residents had safely evacuated and advised the initial crews that all occupants were out of their house.”
Ambulance Victoria personnel were on standby to assist, while Victoria Police closed the road to help CFA crews to work safely.
Mr Goss said crews isolated the power, water and solar services.
“We later contained the fire to the roof cavity and the garage, being able to salvage a large amount of personal and valuable artefacts to the homeowners in all bedrooms,” he said.
“Fire investigators arrived this morning to determine the cause of the fire, which is yet to be determined.”
Crews were on the scene for about four hours.
Mr Goss said following the blaze, the homeowners emptied out the house of any personal effects and belongings.
“The house will be assessed by an insurance company as the roof is unstable for people to live in, it is not in a habitable state and residents will need to partially rebuild or possibly fully knock down and rebuild,” he said.
“Wandin would like to thank all of those involved, all our neighbouring crews and support, we did a very good job.”
