A crime scene is being maintained after the fire ground was handed over to police as part of ongoing coordinated multi-agency operations following a large building fire at Surry Hills last week.
The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was stood-up last Friday (26 May 2023) to coordinate the operations of multiple agencies in support of Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) as they worked to extinguish the blaze, which broke out just after 4pm on Thursday 25 May 2023.
The priorities for the emergency operation are to render the fire ground safe to allow on-site investigations, coordinate for the safe demolition of the remaining structures, limit the impacts on traffic and public transport, and importantly, house displaced residents and ensure the timely return to their properties.
After being satisfied the fire was extinguished, FRNSW handed the fire ground over to the NSW Police Force yesterday (Wednesday 31 May 2023), with officers maintaining a guard at the crime scene until the site is safe for forensic examinations and other inquiries, including the deployment of cadaver-detection dogs.
Strike Force Strontium officers, comprising detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad's Arson Unit, assisted by FRNSW's Fire Investigation and Research Unit, are continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the blaze.
They are also continuing to conduct extensive inquiries to identify and account for two people who were amongst a larger group sleeping rough in the building the night prior to the fire. While police have not received any reports of missing people, investigators are unable to definitively say there is no one inside.
There are no further updates on the investigation at this time.
Engineers and experts from NSW Public Works are continuing to work closely with the building owners and their contractors on the ongoing demolition operations.
Additional demolition machinery was brought to the site earlier today and it's expected the remaining walls will be brought down to allow for the further reduction of the exclusion zone.
Once this is complete and safety assessments are conducted, most of the residents of 30-34 and 38 Chalmers Street will be able to return to their apartments. This is expected to occur in coming days.
Due to significant works to be completed at 1-5 Randle Street, it may be several weeks before the building can be re-occupied.
At least 140 people have registered as being displaced and many have been provided alternate accommodation through Disaster Welfare Services, while others have made their own arrangements.
Disaster Welfare Services will continue to communicate directly with these residents.
A Recovery Committee has also been established under local emergency management arrangements, which includes representatives from City of Sydney Council and various other agencies to coordinate recovery operations to support the affected community.
Motorists are reminded that Chalmers Street and Randle Street between Cleveland Street and Elizabeth Street remain closed as operations and investigations continue.
For real-time traffic updates, including road closures, visit livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW app.
In Surry Hills, buses travelling towards the city are diverting away from Chalmers and Randle streets. They're using local streets instead and may start or terminate their trips at different stops. Consider catching a train to and from Redfern station to connect with buses.
For trip planning on public transport and service alerts, visit transportnsw.info or download a transport app.
Anyone with concerns or enquiries regarding their health are encouraged to contact a medical professional, while anyone who requires mental health, welfare or other support can contact local community support services. A comprehensive list of services can be located online:
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/customer-support-service-infoxchange-service-seeker
