Unit fire at Newtown, NSW

Residents have been evacuated after a unit fire at Newtown overnight.

Just after 1am (Sunday 18 May 2019), emergency services were called to a unit complex on Forbes Street, after reports of a fire.

Police and fire services arrived to find a common area well alight as residents of 20 units were evacuated.

The fire was extinguished, with the common area destroyed and smoke damage to neighbouring units.

Six residents were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation with five taken to Royal Prince Alfred for further treatment. A Fire & Rescue NSW officer was also hospitalised with smoke inhalation.

Thirty-five residents have been temporarily relocated.

A crime scene has been established as inquiries continue. The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

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