By ANNA USHER

A woman in her 60s has died after a three-level townhouse caught fire in Cremorne, prompting renewed warnings for householders to check their smoke alarms.

Emergency services were called to a unit block on Allister St, near the SCEGGS junior campus, shortly before 7.10am on Wednesday, where they found the top level of the building engulfed in flames.

On arrival, NSW Fire and Rescue crews were confronted with heavy fire and thick black smoke that filled the property from floor to ceiling. They entered the burning top floor and removed a woman from the property.

Paramedics treated her for critical injuries, but she died at the scene. They have confirmed with Mosman Collective there was no working smoke alarm at the home.

The woman is yet to be formally identified but is believed to be aged in her 60s.

FRNSW Superintendent, Adam Dewberry, has commended the bravery and professionalism of the firefighters, who worked in zero visibility and intense heat to try to save the occupant.

“They were faced with very hot smoke, absolutely no visibility and having to feel their way through an unfamiliar residence.

“I want to acknowledge the exemplary work and efforts of firefighters and paramedics, and their attempts to save the resident.” Supt. Dewberry said.

Six fire trucks and 22 firefighters were on the scene, and a Toll helicopter was dispatched to Reid Park in Mosman for a potential emergency transfer to hospital.

One Allister St resident who did not wish to be identified told Mosman Collective he was heading to work when fire crews arrived.

“There didn’t seem to be a huge amount of smoke but it was still scary,” he said.

Another resident said he believed the townhouses were built “about 25 years ago”.

“They are fairly modern homes and well maintained, it is a shock that something like this could happen in our area,” he said.

“I didn’t know the lady personally, but she looked to be middle-aged, I am so sorry she couldn’t be saved.”

Superintendent Dewberry said the tragedy should serve as a powerful reminder to all homeowners.

“Working smoke alarms save lives,” he said, “everyone should ensure their home is fitted with a smoke alarm and test it to ensure it’s working.”

Before leaving the scene, firefighters installed smoke alarms in an adjoining townhouse and plan to return to fit alarms in other homes within the complex in coming days.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

Do you know more? Get in touch with Anna at Mosman Collective or email [email protected]