‘Into action quickly’: Animals perish in Toowoomba unit fire

A fire investigation has been launched after crews were called to a blaze at a unit. Firefighters managed to save some animals but others sadly perished.

Emergency service crews were called to the scene of a unit fire in Toowoomba.

A unit complex on James St in Harristown was reported on fire on Monday at 7.46am.

Two crews from Queensland Fire and Emergency Services arrived on scene and worked to contain the blaze.

Emergency services attend a fire in a unit complex in James St, Harristown. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Police and paramedics were also called to the scene.

The residents were not home at the time of the fire.

Queensland Fire and Rescue’s Toowoomba Acting Inspector Kent Barron said his team was working with the Queensland Police Service as investigations continued.

Emergency services attend a fire in a unit complex in James St, Harristown. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“Upon arrival we found fire inside the unit – we’ve gone into action quickly and had to extinguish that fire,” he said.

“At this stage it’s very early and we’re still awaiting final investigations.”

Emergency services attend a fire in a unit complex in James St, Harristown. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The Acting Inspector said while crews managed to rescue some animals from the property, others had sadly not survived.

He confirmed smoke alarms inside the unit were working and the alert may have allowed for a quicker response and reduced the spread of the fire to other units.