A clean-up operation is now underway to prepare for make-safe demolitions as part of the multi-agency response coordinated by the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at Surry Hills following a large building fire last week.
The EOC was stood-up last Friday (26 May 2023) to coordinate the operations of multiple agencies in support of Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) as they worked to extinguish the blaze, which broke out just after 4pm on Thursday (25 May 2023).
Specialist firefighters remain on scene monitoring the stability of the remaining structure and smouldering from deep within the rubble.
The priorities for the emergency operation are to render the fire ground safe to allow on-site investigations, coordinate for the safe demolition of the remaining structures, limit the impacts on traffic and public transport, and importantly, house displaced residents and ensure the timely return to their properties.
Engineers and experts from NSW Public Works have been working closely with the building owners and their contractors to develop make-safe demolition plans.
Clean-up operations commenced earlier today (Monday 29 May 2023) on Randle Street, and it’s expected demolition machinery will be escorted onto the site this afternoon for works to begin tomorrow (Tuesday 30 May 2023).
Occupants – including residential and business – of nearby properties are advised to close windows and external doors while this work is carried out as dust and debris is expected during these operations.
Intermittent closures of the southbound lanes on Elizabeth Street are also expected over coming days while demolition takes place.
Once the site is rendered safe, further assessments will be undertaken by contactors and engineers to determine whether the remaining structure will be salvageable.
At the same time, Strike Force Strontium investigators and specialist crime scene officers will conduct inquiries, which will include the use of cadaver-detection dogs, and forensic imaging as sections of the rubble are removed.
While police have not received any reports of missing people, investigators are unable to definitively say there is no one inside.
Strike Force Strontium was established by detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad’s Arson Unit, assisted by FRNSW’s Fire Investigation and Research Unit, to investigate the circumstances of the fire.
There are no further updates on the investigation at this time.
Utility companies are continuing to monitor the situation and it’s anticipated there may be impacts to utility supply at times throughout the demolition to minimise risks to worker and community safety.
Impacted residents will be notified of planned outages, or otherwise if possible, and if supply is expected to be disrupted for a significant time.
These processes are expected to take a number of days and until the site is rendered safe, the exclusion zone will remain in place, which includes three residential buildings (1-5 Randle Street and 34 and 38 Chalmers Street).
At least 100 people have registered as being displaced and many have been provided alternate accommodation through Welfare Services, while others have made their own arrangements.
Anyone who has been displaced and not yet registered, should do so via Register.Find.Reunite: https://register.redcross.org.au.
Police and firefighters are continuing to provide accompanied access to the buildings within the exclusion during daylight hours for residents to collect belongings.
When the site is rendered safe, a significant amount of work will need to be undertaken in these residential buildings before they can be re-occupied. As such, a timeline for their return home is not yet available. Welfare Services will continue to communicate directly with displaced residents to keep them informed.
While the emergency operation continues, partial road closures remain on Elizabeth Street, Chalmers Street and Randle Street.
In Surry Hills, buses travelling towards the city are diverting away from Chalmers and Randle streets due to a building fire. They’re using local streets instead and may start or terminate their trips at different stops. Consider catching a train to and from Redfern station to connect with buses.
For real-time traffic updates, including road closures, visit www.livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW app.
For trip planning on public transport and service alerts, visit www.transportnsw.info or download a transport app.
Anyone with concerns or enquiries regarding their health are encouraged to contact a medical professional, while anyone who requires mental health, welfare or other support can contact local community support services. A comprehensive list of services can be located online:
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/customer-support-service-infoxchange-service-seeker
