Volunteer firefighters from Officer, Pakenham, Nar Nar Goon and Toomuc were called to a house fire in Drysdale Street, Pakenham in support of Fire Rescue Victoria around 12.45pm yesterday.
Upon arrival the garage was fully involved in the blaze and spreading to the house, with FRV crews already on scene fighting the fire.
Firefighters wearing Breathing Apparatus were positioned along all sides of the building to bring the fire under control. Support of the Fire Rescue Victoria ladder platform from station 87 was required to completely extinguish the fire.
Lieutenant Phillip Craig from Nar Nar Goon Fire Brigade was the CFA agency commander on scene and said teamwork was crucial in getting the fire under control.
“The fire was under control in around 15 minutes - an incredible effort from the responding CFA and FRV firefighters.
“We were grateful to have the added support of Victoria Police as well as Ambulance Victoria paramedics who were there for health monitoring of crew members and patient care.
“The occupant of the home was taken to hospital with serious injuries.”
Firefighters also rescued a dog and two cats from the house.
Firefighters believed the blaze was caused by welding sparks coming into contact with flammable liquid.
Fire Rescue Victoria Commander Matt Jones said FRV and CFA crews worked together quickly to bring the fire under control.
“Fires that involve flammable liquids or dangerous goods can escalate very quickly, and this incident may have been much worse had it not been for the work of FRV and CFA crews,” he said.
“This incident is an example of Victoria’s fire services working together to protect the community. No matter where they live, Victorians can be assured that when they call Triple Zero (000), they’ll receive a world-class service.”