Disaster averted because of workers’ efforts

As much as anyone can be prepared for it – through property maintaining electrical equipment, or making sure evacuation procedures are comprehensively known – there is the potential for a tragic outcome.

On top of that though, there is always the possibility of people using their wits to properly assess a situation to prevent it getting out of hand.

That was able demonstrated by the staff at one Border business on the weekend.

Workers at Martin’s bus terminal in North Albury made an almighty effort to prevent the potential loss of part of their workplace.

It all came about when solar panels on the roof of a shed caught fire, caused by what at this stage is believed to be an electrical malfunction.

Again, a scenario beyond their control but this did not stop them from acting with considerable good sense.

The enormous danger posed by the blaze was in how it could spread in the Fallon Street building.

The concern was the nearby canisters of a highly flammable gas made up of a combination of acetylene and oxygen.

The consequences of a fire getting to the cylinders were indeed extremely serious.

As NSW Fire Rescue Zone duty commander Inspector Stewart Alexander noted, a resulting explosion “would have flattened the building”.

“It was good work and quick thinking by employees there who removed a bus and more importantly the oxy-acetylene cylinders from the shed,” he said.

The staff’s actions then were highly commendable.

That was especially given the scene that confronted firefighters when they arrived – thick black smoke billowing from the building, with flames above the roof line.

Thankfully, the fire was contained to the roof cavity.

This turned out to be the second related incident attended by Albury firefighters, who also had to check out a solar panel malfunction at a Wyse Street house on Sunday.

While these incidents were linked to electrical faults, it is still a timely reminder for people to have their solar panels routinely checked.

Beneath the flames sat canisters of a highly flammable gas known as oxy-acetylene.