Newcastle unit fire: Man flown to hospital after Darby Street blaze

A Newcastle man was flown to Royal North Shore Hospital with severe burns after his unit caught fire.

A man has suffered severe burns in a Cooks Hill unit fire after residents reported hearing a loud explosion.

Fellow residents in the Darby St unit block helped the injured man, 41, from the block about 6.45am on Thursday.

Police said the man, who is believed to have suffered burns to nearly 80 per cent of his body, was treated by an off-duty nurse prior to the arrival of paramedics.

A man has suffered severe burns in Cooks Hill unit fire. Picture: Facebook/ Marilyn Lean

He has been flown by rescue helicopter to Royal North Shore Hospital for treatment in the hospital’s specialist burns unit after being placed on life support.

His condition was listed on Thursday morning as critical.

A NSW Ambulance statement said four paramedic crews and a specialist medical team, including a critical care doctor, had responded to reports of an explosion.

“These types of incidents are frightening, they can happen so quickly and the injuries can be catastrophic,’’ NSW Ambulance Inspector Joel De Zuna said.

“As always our colleagues at Fire and Rescue NSW did an excellent job to create a safe environment for us to treat our patient.”

Fire crews at the scene of the Cooks Hill unit fire. Picture: Dan Proudman

“Severe burns and smoke related injuries can often be life threatening, it’s vital that we start treating any type of burn immediately.”

Darby St was shut for over an hour as fire crews extinguished the blaze.

A crime scene has been set up as specialists investigate the possible cause of the fire.

A second unit was also damaged.

Fire crews at the scene of the Cooks Hill unit fire. Picture: Dan Proudman

Neighbours say the injured man’s dog is not believed to have survived the fire.

Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Scott Dodson said it was a timely reminder for residents to develop their fire escape plan.

“Now is the time for residents to check they have a working smoke alarm and that all members of the family have an awareness of calling triple-0 (000) in an emergency,” he said.