'The heat was crazy': North shore fire destroys family home
A fire on Sydney’s north shore has destroyed a family's home and caused nearby properties to be evacuated.
Emergency services were called to a home on Futuna Street, Hunters Hill, at 7.30pm and evacuated four other properties as a precaution.
Seven News reported the owners are travelling overseas, but their home has been written off. The network said the fire may have been caused by a gas leak.
"I smelt a lot of gas and then I looked up and saw the neighbour's palm tree on fire and I could hear this massive 'voosh' like something exploded," neighbour Nicole Kleijn told Seven News.
Alexander Porter, who lives nearby, told The Herald he was eating dinner when he saw ash falling into the pool.
"Initially [we] thought it was coming from our place but then followed the glow and walked up the street," he said. "I was just really worried people were inside or that it would spread to the neighbouring houses"
"The heat was crazy from where we were standing."
Evacuated residents have been allowed to return.