Emergency Evacuation at Illawarra Aged Care Facility
Elderly residents were safely evacuated from a Kanahooka aged care facility after a fire broke out in the ceiling on Monday morning. Emergency services responded to IRT's William Beach Gardens property on Kanahooka Road at 10.47am following reports of smoke issuing from the building.
Sprinkler System Prevents Major Disaster
Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry confirmed that smoke was visible from the rear of the property when crews arrived. Fortunately, the facility's installed fire sprinkler system had already begun containing the flames before firefighters from Dapto station reached the scene.
FRNSW Inspector Greg Purvis provided crucial details about the incident. "There was a fire in a ceiling that was contained by the sprinkler system," he stated. "They evacuated some people, but nobody was at risk and nobody injured."
No Injuries Reported in Swift Response
The well-coordinated emergency response ensured all residents remained safe throughout the incident. NSW Ambulance paramedics were not required to attend the scene, confirming that no medical treatment was necessary for any residents or staff members.
William Beach Gardens is a comprehensive retirement community that includes independent living units, aged care facilities, a swimming pool and beautifully landscaped gardens according to IRT's website. The facility's location on Kanahooka Road in the Illawarra region makes it an important community resource for elderly residents.
The Illawarra Mercury has contacted IRT for further comment regarding the fire incident and the subsequent safety measures implemented at the property. The successful containment of the fire demonstrates the critical importance of modern fire safety systems in aged care facilities.
