A code red was called by Jerilderie NSW Fire and Rescue captain Andrew Bell, meaning all available brigades in the area would help in the response.
Support from Berrigan, Finley, Deniliquin and Wagga brigades helped contain the fire, including Wagga and Deniliquin both assisting with HAZMAT gear.
During the blaze there was a serious threat that the oil from the service station would spread to Billabong Creek and create an environmental issue.
Murrumbidgee Council gave the okay to have the oil removed using HAZMAT pumps, before being declared safe once again.
The service station, on the Newell Highway, was totally destroyed in the blaze.
Fire and Rescue NSW Zone Regional South 3 reported that “on Wednesday afternoon (January 22) at 4pm Fire and Rescue NSW started to receive Triple Zero (000) calls to a Newell Highway address building fire at Jerilderie.
“Initial reports were of a service station alight with neighbouring houses and other buildings being impacted by heat and smoke.
“The well advanced fire was producing a large amount of smoke and strong winds were fanning the fire making an immediate impact on a house next door, other buildings, including a school, and electrical infrastructure downwind.”
There were several backyards neighbouring the structure that were affected by the fire.
The IGA to the rear of the service station was evacuated, as well as a number of surrounding buildings and houses.
The RFS NSW Mid-Murray Zone were able to provide tankers with a bulk supply capacity of water in the fight to help quell the blaze, and they also provided more firefighters.
There is no known cause of the fire at present.
One NSW Fire and Rescue firefighter was taken to hospital for smoke inhalation, but she was given the all clear.
A Jerilderie NSW Fire and Rescue Brigade spokesperson said they would like to extend a thank you to everyone involved in the fight to control and extinguish the fire.
“From all the firefighters who responded, to the ambulance, police and even the Murrumbidgee Council in their support throughout the situation, Jerilderie NSW Fire and Rescue would like to thank you for your prompt and concise response and support,” the spokesperson said.
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