A man and a toddler overnight had a lucky escape as they were rescued from the balcony of their burning Epping home by CFA and MFB firefighters.
The man and the toddler became trapped on the balcony of their double-storey home after fire engulfed the top level, Epping CFA captain and incident controller Rob Saitta said.
“Crews used an extended ladder to climb up the balcony, and then safely guided the man and the toddler down.
“I dread to think what might have happened if that balcony wasn’t there.”
District 14 Operations Officer Brian Wright said CFA crews were called to the home just before 3am, with the second storey fully alight when crews arrived.
“MFB and CFA crews worked well together, battling the blaze for just under an hour before bringing it under control,” he said.
“Unfortunately the top level of the home was completely gutted – but given the circumstances it could have been a lot worse.”
An 11-year-old girl was taken to hospital for minor burns.
The CFA says the cause of the fire is unknown, though it’s not believed to be suspicious. Fire Investigators will be on scene on Monday.
Nine CFA trucks and five MFB trucks were on scene.
