‘Horrific scene’: Man dead after Illawarra house fire

A man has died in a ferocious house fire south of Wollongong, despite the best efforts of firefighters who battled the blaze while the roof caved in above them.

A man has died after a house fire in the Illawarra suburb of Berkeley on Thursday afternoon despite the best efforts of “heroic” firefighters.

The fire took hold in a single-storey, fibro house on Leicester St shortly before 2pm with half-a-dozen fire trucks, with 30 firefighters, being called to the emergency.

Flames tore through the roof with it collapsing as firefighters stormed the home to undertake a search and rescue operation.

The firefighters were able to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighbouring properties, however, they could not rescue the man.

According to police, while the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of the occupant - a man aged in his 70s.

The house is located on. cul-de-sac and backs onto parkland. Picture: Google Maps

Fire and Rescue NSW Illawarra Duty Commander, Chad Wallace, said it took first responders about 30 minutes to get the blaze under control, but was yet to confirm the exact cause.

“It took about 30 minutes to fully extinguish the fire and the firefighters did this while the roof was caving in on them and tiles were falling on their heads,” he said.

“At this stage the fire is still under investigation and fire investigators will work with police investigators to work out exactly where it first started and how it started.

“Those investigations will take place overnight and into tomorrow.”

Inspector Wallace described the horrific scene the firefighters were confronted with, however, he was able to confirm that none of them sustained any injuries as they attempted to rescue the man.

“There were flames pouring out of the roof, the front window and the front door,” he said.

“Despite that the firefighters were able to quite aggressively attack the fire and get in and conduct the search and rescue operation.

“The firefighters’ training and protective gear has served them well here and they were able to heroically do their job.”

Officers attached to Lake Illawarra Police District have commenced an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the fire; however, initial inquiries indicate the fire is not suspicious.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.