A critical incident has been declared after a man was injured in a unit fire yesterday.
About 3.10pm (Monday 27 February 2023), emergency services were called to Lawson Street, Fairfield, following a concern for welfare report.
On arrival, officers attached to Fairfield City Police Area Command attempted to talk to the man; however, when the man refused to leave the unit, a perimeter was established.
Despite attempts to negotiate with the man, he was located suffering burns a short time later after an alleged gas explosion.
NSW Fire & Rescue extinguished the blaze, which caused extensive damage to the unit.
The man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to hospital.
A crime scene was established and a critical incident team from Cumberland Police Area Command will investigate all circumstances surrounding the police response under Strike Force Burramy.
That investigation will be subject to an independent review.
