Julie Mackaway killed after Northmead villa fire at Hammers Rd

A wheelchair-bound woman died after fire ripped through a home in Sydney’s west, where witnesses say they saw towering flames leaping from the property.

The wheelchair-bound woman whose body was found following a house fire at Northmead on Friday morning has been identified as Julie Mackaway.

Emergency services rushed to the site, where there is a cluster of villas, about 9.30am and extinguished the blaze towards the back of the public housing complex.

Tight-knit neighbours said Ms Mackaway lived by herself for more than a year but a carer visited her this morning before the fire.

More than 30 firefighters from six crews battled the blaze which destroyed home and the roof collapsed.

Julie Mackaway (left) died in a villa fire at Northmead. Picture: Facebook

“I reckon the smoke would have got her straight away before the roof collapsed,’’ neighbour Carol Hanks said.

One witness said the flames leapt 10m into the air.

Firefighters at the fatal fire.

Ms Hanks said Ms Mackaway was in her late 60s, had MS and carried an oxygen bag. The cause of the fire is still being determined.

“She was such a lovely person,’’ Ms Hanks said.

“It’s such sad news. She’s had some bad luck.’’

Neighbours said Ms Mackaway’s home had damaged twice over a fortnight last year, when a neighbour drove into the villa after suffering medical episodes.

Police climb a ladder to reach the woman’s house.

Fire crews descended on the villa about 9.30am.

Resident Rob Lavender remembered Ms Mackaway fondly.

“I came here in 2012 and used to joke with her about where her L-plates were and she’d have a bit of a laugh,’’ he said.

Parramatta police established a crime scene and have started an investigation into the incident.

Local road closures are in place and motorists are urged to avoid the area.

A report will now be prepared for the information of the coroner.

More to come.