Inner-city Brisbane property engulfed by flames

Nine fire crews have battled in attempt to save an out of control inferno at a property in Brisbane’s south after it erupted, putting a woman in hospital. PICTURES, VIDEO

Inner-city house fire

A woman is in hospital and nine fire crews have battled to control an inferno at a property in Brisbane’s south with thick, black smoke billowing from the home.

The building - a boarding house - was severely damaged in the blaze.

One resident has described the moment he went back into the burning building to look for a friend, while a neighbour said he heard what sounded like an explosion as a powerlines crashed down.

Emergency services were called to the fire at Walton St, Dutton Park, at 2.50pm on Tuesday.

On arrival, crews found a timber structure dwelling that was well engulfed by flames.

It’s understood nine crews had the property contained by about 3.40pm.

Photos show huge flames bursting out of the building with thick black smock pouring into the air.

Emergency Services treating a woman after a boarding house fire on Walton St, Dutton Park. Picture: Glenn Campbell

One woman could be seen on a stretcher at the scene, surrounded by paramedics.

A QAS spokeswoman said a woman was transported to the Mater Hospital in a stable condition, suffering from smoke inhalation.

Emergency Services on scene desperately trying to save the home. Picture: Glenn Campbell

After escaping the fire, resident Luke Backhouse went back inside to check for his mate.

“We all went out the front and it took over pretty quickly it started in the right front room,” Mr Backhouse said.

The public remained outside an exclusion zone at 3.45pm, with the scene yet to be declared safe. Picture: 9News

“We went back in and kicked the door just to see if my mate was there.

“I was greeted by some flames and then ran back out and realised he was okay.”

Mr Backhouse described the scene as chaotic.

“It was pretty chaotic, the house burned down pretty quickly actually,” he said.

Luke Backhouse entered the flaming property to check if others had escaped. Picture: Liam Kidston

It is understood that the property is a boarding house that has room for 12 residents.

All occupants who were inside the house at the time managed to escape.

Walton St resident Charlie Falk said he saw the whole thing.

“I was just playing my flight simulator game when one of my mates let me know there was a fire next door,” he said.

Charlie Falk saw the drama unfold. Picture: Iwan Jones

“I came outside and there’s this five-metre powerline that comes down, absolutely explodes and sparks. It scared the bejesus out of me.

“Then I come around and then walk up to directly where the house is and I see these flames just coming out about a good two metres outside of the building, and they just curl up absolutely engulf the building.

“Everyone’s going crazy running around up and down the street.”

The house was engulfed by flames when fire crews arrived. Picture: Iwan Jones

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Inspector Mark Burchard praised the response of firefighters who quickly got into action.

“On arrival, crews found the house well engulfed by fire and immediately commenced fighting the fire,” Inspector Burchard said.

“It took crews approximately 20 to 30 minutes to get the bulk of the fire under control.”

Inspector Burchard said the dwelling was extensively damaged as a result of the blaze.

“The house is still standing with minor structural collapse from the front and towards the back of the house,” he said.

“Unfortunately everything inside the house has been damaged.”

Smoke seen from the Dutton Park fire. Picture: 9 News Qld

Inspector Burchard praised fellow emergency services for their response at the scene.

“Quick action by QPS who are actually in the street had evacuated the premises and others nearby,” he said.

“QPS are assisting with re-locating the occupants from the dwelling.”

Police had established an exclusion zone around the scene, with the public kept outside for safety.

Inspector Burchard said the cause of the fire is under investigation.

“At this stage the cause of the fire is undetermined,” he said.

A QFES spokeswoman said when crews arrived “the whole structure (was) well engulfed by flames”.

“Crews are fighting the fire externally at the moment, they are not able to enter at this time.”

“Crews are working to get it under control,” she said just after 3pm.

“Everyone is out of the premises.”

Property records show the boarding house had 12 individual suites with approval for rooming accommodations dating back to 1956. It was purchased in February 2021 by BCB Solutions with council approving their application to extend its rooming accommodation to 15 suites in November 2022.