Rahmani’s Rug Gallery shop fire on Parry St Newcastle West: Investigations continue into cause

Investigations will try to determine the cause of a large blaze that ripped through a rug store in Newcastle West overnight. Residents living upstairs had to be evacuated.

Shop at Newcastle West, Parry Street, went up in flames Monday July 27. Credit: NSW Fire and Rescue

• ‘I’m sorry’: Sentence delayed for man who spat at police officer
• Prison officer foil alleged plan to smuggle drugs by drone

Fire experts are investigating whether an electrical fault may have sparked a blaze which destroyed up to $500,000 worth of stock at a Newcastle West rug store.

Closed circuit television footage obtained by detectives has not shown any suspicious activity between the shop closing on Monday afternoon and when the blaze erupted about 11.30pm.

NSW Fire and Rescue were called to Rahmani’s Rug Gallery on Parry St and arrived to heavy smoke billowing from the roof.

Shop at Newcastle West, Parry Street, went up in flames Monday July 27. Credit: NSW Fire and Rescue

Smoke was billowing from the store as fire crews arrived. Credit: NSW Fire and Rescue

Residents who were asleep in accommodation upstairs were evacuated quickly without injury.

15 fire trucks and more than 60 firefighters worked to extinguish the fire into the early hours of the morning, with threat of the structure collapsing and heavy rain.

Fortunately fire crews were able to contain the blaze with minimal spread and only minor damage to neighbouring buildings.

An area at the back of the building is now being investigated as the possible source, with an electrical fault the prime suspect.

And it can be revealed that there were initial fears that a body may have been inside the Parry Street building before crews were able to confirm the possible human remains was a rolled up rug on a piece of furniture