Firefighters have saved a Forestville home after a barbecue fire threatened to engulf the property on Saturday afternoon.
Emergency services rushed to Bernie Avenue just before 5.00pm on 24 January following reports of heavy smoke billowing from the rear of a single-storey brick residence.
Crews from Forestville and Willoughby fire stations arrived within minutes of the triple zero call to find an active blaze involving a barbecue on the back patio. The flames were spreading rapidly towards the house.
Two firefighters wearing breathing apparatus deployed a hose line connected to a street hydrant to tackle the fire. After confirming the home was empty, crews cut the power supply and applied large volumes of water to stop the flames at the rear wall.
Northern Beaches Police closed Bernie Avenue whilst paramedics assessed the male homeowner, who had been inside when the fire started. He declined medical treatment, reporting he had not inhaled smoke or sustained burns.
The quick response prevented the fire from spreading beyond the rear section of the property. Firefighters extinguished flames that had penetrated the back wall and ventilated remaining smoke from the premises.
Operations concluded by 6.00pm, with the main structure and contents of the home preserved despite damage to the rear section. The owner was advised to arrange an electrical safety inspection before restoring power due to potential wiring damage.
Fire and Rescue NSW reminds residents that barbecue fires occur frequently during summer months. The organisation provides barbecue safety resources and liquid petroleum gas cylinder safety information on its website.
Published 25-January-2026
