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Two dead as fire rips through Sydney home

Two dead as fire rips through Sydney home

An elderly man and woman are dead after a fire ripped through their Sydney home in moments.

The blaze was well alight by the time firefighters arrived at the house on Kooyong Road, Riverview soon after 6.30am on Sunday.

The 70-year-old woman and 75-year-old man were unable to escape their levelled home, as nearby homes were evacuated.

One neighbour told reporters she was cooking in her kitchen, which overlooked the house, when she saw flames quickly spread.

"It was literally moments," she said. "It just got out of hand."

Police say it's too early to determine the cause of the blaze, but early inquiries indicate it's not suspicious.

SAFETY REMINDER: From Fire and Rescue NSW

With some storm affected areas of NSW losing power, Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is reminding people to take care when using candles for emergency lighting. Where possible, FRNSW is urging residents to use battery powered lighting during power outages.

The use of candles has always been popular and FRNSW is warning of the necessary fire safety precautions every time you use them.

·Never leave candles unattended or in places where they can fall or set alight flammable items such as curtains or upholstery.

·Make sure candles are on a secure base and never place them near an open window or near opened flammable liquid containers.

·Extinguish them if you leave the room and always before going to bed.

·Ensure matches or lighters are stored in a secure place out of reach and sight of children.

·Ensure you have a working smoke alarm fitted. Ensure the smoke alarm is powered with a working 9V alkaline battery. FRNSW suggests using the Duracell 9V Ultra alkaline battery.

·Prepare and rehearse a home fire escape plan so you know the quickest routes out of your home if your smoke alarm activates.

·If you have any queries about smoke alarms or their installation, please contact your local fire station.

·Check how safe your home is from the risk of fire by doing a fire safety audit at www.homefiresafetyaudit.com.au