Man severely burnt and 25 people evacuated in Rockdale unit building fire

A man is in critical condition “fighting for life” after he suffered severe burns and was rescued from a unit building fire south of Sydney.

One person has suffered severe burns and another 25 have been evacuated from a unit block which has gone up in flames in Sydney’s south.

Fire crews were called to a unit block in Hayburn Ave Rockdale shortly before 11am following reports a building burst into flames.

More than 20 firefighters managed to contain the fire which completely engulfed one unit on the first floor of a four-level building complex.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters forced their way inside the engulfed unit and rescued an unconscious man, aged in his 70s, immediately placing him into the care of NSW Ambulance crews.

Intensive care paramedics treated him for multiple burns before transporting him to Concord Hospital, where he continues to fight for his life.

A man has suffered severe burns in a building fire. Picture: TNV

The man was treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital. Photo: TNV

Damage caused by the unit fire in Rockdale. Picture: NSW Fire and Rescue

Two other people were assessed for smoke inhalation, while a firefighter was also treated for minor injuries.

NSW Fire and Rescue Superintendent Adam Dewberry said firefighters had to rescue the man from the building after he suffered severe burns.

25 residents were evacuated from the scene. Photo: TNV

More than 20 firefighters attended the scene. Photo: TNV

Investigations continue into the fire. Picture: Fire and Rescue NSW

It is understood the man is in a critical condition.

FRNSW crews managed to contain the fire in less than an hour and prevent further damage.

The building was fitted with a number of working smoke alarms, which alerted other occupants and allowed them to quickly evacuate.

Experts from FRNSW’s Fire Investigation and Research Unit will work with NSW Police to determine what sparked the fire.