Body found with ‘severe burns’ after house fire in Sydney’s northwest

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire has been established after a body was found with “severe burns”.

Firefighters were called to the scene at 10.30am on Thursday. Picture: FRNSW

Firefighters have made a grim discovery after extinguishing a blaze in Sydney’s northwest, finding a woman’s “severely” burnt body.

At around 10.30am on Thursday, emergency services were called to a unit block on Church Street in Ryde after receiving reports of a fire contained to a single unit.

After extinguishing the blaze, which broke out on the second floor of the three-storey building, a search uncovered the body of a woman inside.

Her death marks the state’s second fire-related fatality since winter began two weeks ago.

Firefighters were called to the scene at 10.30am on Thursday. Picture: FRNSW

The woman, who was found to have sustained “severe burns”, is yet to be formally identified.

Fire Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said the tragedy served as a reminder to prioritise fire safety in the colder months.

“Winter is usually when our firefighters respond to more house fires and, unfortunately, more fire-related deaths and injuries,” he said.

The body of a woman was discovered inside the Ryde unit. Picture: FRNSW

“Having two fire-related deaths just two weeks into winter is devastating and impacts so many people, including the victims’ families and friends, our firefighters and the broader community.

“Please make today the day you prioritise thinking about how you can make yourself and your loved ones safer in your home and protected against fire.”

Earlier this month, another woman died in a house fire in Sydney’s central west that a man and two children narrowly escaped.

A crime scene has since been established at the Church St unit, with experts from the Fire Investigation and Research Unit assisting detectives with their investigation.