Rescued from their burning homes

Both residents were treated for smoke inhalation, and the woman also received some minor burns.

Emergency services were alerted to a house fire in Edwardes St at 2.40am Saturday.

By the time they arrived, the flames had already spread to the neighbouring home.

Murray River Police District Detective Chief Inspector Jy Brown said emergency services found the man asleep inside the first home, and “dragged him to safety”.

Two police officers entered the second home and removed a woman. The officers were also treated for smoke inhalation and later released.

Police said no-one else was injured in the incident.

“A crime scene has been established, with investigations into the circumstances surrounding being investigated by detectives,” Det Chief Insp Brown said.

“As inquiries continue, police are appealing for anyone with information about this incident, or dashcam or CCTV from the area to contact police or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.”

Both older-style weatherboard homes, it did not take long for the homes and the adjoining car ports to be ravaged by fire.

With two homes already impacted and burning with intensity, other nearby homes were evacuated.

Deniliquin FRNSW Captain Martin Smith said FRNSW firefighters from other regions, and the Deniliquin NSW Rural Fire Service brigade, were called on to provide assistance.

“We received the call at 02:42 hours to respond to a house fire in Edwardes St, Deniliquin and upon arrival the status had changed as the neighbouring house external wall was alight also.

“One crew in BA (breathing apparatus) with a line of hose started defensive fire attack on the original house fire, then another BA crew started defensive fire attack on the second house.

“With the extensive heat from a well-advanced fire before our arrival, we were unable to save the two houses.

“We also concentrated on stopping fire spreading to neighbouring properties to the side and at the rear.

“Additional crews from Finley and Jerilderie Fire + Rescue were called upon to the incident to assist in firefighting and BA rotation.

“The New South Wales Rural Fire Service also attended to assist in property protection and firefighting operations, whilst police assisted in evacuating people from neighbouring properties affected by the threat of fire and smoke hazards.”

The fire was declared officially extinguished at 11.30am Saturday, but will be monitored for reignition for a number of days.

Deniliquin FRNSW firefighters were officially stood down just after 1.30pm Saturday.

The impacted area of Edwardes St remained closed for several more hours as investigations began.