Firefighters from Ballarat Fire Station were just about to leave the station after finishing their Monday night Brigade training last night, when they got the call for a nearby restaurant fire.
They were quick to arrive at the scene in just under three minutes, followed by crews from Ballarat City.
Crews rescued a husband and wife from the burning double storey building – believed to be the restaurant owners, who were on the second storey of the building at the time the fire broke out.
District 15 Operations Officer Anthony Pearce said crews found the woman trapped on an adjacent building attempting to escape the blaze.
“Crews used a ladder to safely guide the woman down.”
“The woman’s husband was found near the stairwell of the building, believed to be looking for his wife, and was also guided to safety.”
“Thankfully, restaurant was not open at the time of the incident.”
OO Pearce praised the quick response and good work of CFA crews.
“Crews fought the fire with an aggressive internal attack, and the fire was contained the kitchen area.
“They managed to contain the fire in just under an hour, under difficult conditions.”
“It was a beautiful old building and has suffered extensive damage – however it could have been a lot worse.
“The owners were alerted to the fire thanks to a working smoke alarm.”
Seven CFA trucks were on scene, including the Ballarat City Ladder Platform.
The cause of the fire is unknown at the stage, but is not believed to be suspicious.
See more on this incident in the Ballarat Courier.
Author: CFA Media