NSW Fire and Rescue attended a house fire in Cullen Drive, Kiama Downs just before 9pm on Monday night 8 January 2024.

The fire started in the garage where firefighters on site said there was a heavy fuel load, and then spread to the nearby house. The two-storey home was alight when units arrived and firefighters were able to protect neighbouring houses. 

NSW Fire and Rescue told The Bugle it was a timely reminder for everyone to check they have a working smoke alarm in the garage as well as in the home. The cause of the fire is not considered suspicious but is under investigation.

The next day, local units were monitoring the site and had to attend for a re-ignition. 

The elderly couple were awake and home at the time, and managed to quickly escape the fire. They were treated for smoke inhalation on scene but were uninjured. The house is uninhabitable and local police are looking into temporary accommodation options for the couple.