A two-storey house on Gladys Avenue in Frenchs Forest was engulfed in flames this evening, 29 March, prompting the dispatch of six fire trucks to the scene, where the blaze had already torn through the roof.
Forestville Station Officer Mat Crotty told Manly Observer at the scene: “We got here in around five minutes.
“There was reports of an elderly lady, a mother and child still inside the house.
“We tried to gain access through a side door but could not gain any entry.
“That was the intensity of the fire.”
Police confirmed all occupants were eventually accounted for, however the family’s German Shepherd, Rudy, has not been located.
“A drone is looking for hot spots, looking for building collapses, to make sure our firefighters are safe,” Station Officer Crotty said.
The property is listed as a development site for sale but we understand was still being occupied by the family.
Neighbours say they are distraught over the fire and are most concerned about finding their beloved dog Rudy.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with more information expected in the coming days.
Firefighters have contained the blaze to the single property and no neighbouring homes were affected.
“Our steps will now be to completely extinguish the fire.
“Then when the FIA investigation unit comes in, we will try and hit the hot spots and see where this fire started and how it started.”
As they always do, Station Officer Crotty ended the interview reminding residents to check their smoke detectors.
“Make sure you have got a working smoke alarm. They do save lives. If you don’t have them, ring your local fire and rescue station, and we can install them for free.”
The Tissington family has lost everything in the fire and a donation page has been set up to help support them during this difficult time.
