Fire rips through catering supply shop at Walz St Rockdale

A fire that swept through a shop and threatened residential units in the city’s south could have started in a pile of paper plates. See the footage.

Firefighters have battled an intense fire in a row of shops, with residential units above, at Rockdale on Tuesday afternoon.

Investigations into the cause of the fire at the Shop & Save Packaging and Catering Supply shop but it is understood a working smoke alarm alerted the owner to a fire in a pile of paper plates and other disposable products in a storeroom at the back of the business.

More than 25 firefighters and eight fire trucks responded to the incident about 1pm.

A shop occupant initially attempted to extinguish the blaze but quickly evacuated the building, along with occupants from neighbouring premises.

Crews were confronted with a fire on the ground floor of Shop & Save and began an “aggressive attack on the blaze,” working from the front of the property and an alleyway at the rear.

Crews gained access to the premises and brought the fire under control before undertaking a search and rescue operation in the residential areas above, where no occupants were inside and no other injuries were reported.

Firefighters contained the fire to the shop and residential space directly above, preventing further spread.

“An aerial ladder platform truck assisted with checking for fire extension through the roof and upper levels from above,’’ a Fire and Rescue NSW statement said.

“Given the challenging conditions and today’s heat, firefighters worked tirelessly, rotating teams to ensure safety throughout the operation.

“Crews remain on scene addressing difficult-to-access hot spots at the rear of the building.’’

Originally published as Fire rips through catering supply shop at Walz St Rockdale