Ad
Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Scaffolding catches fire after it was erected to remove fire risk cladding in Sydney

ADVERTISEMENT

Scaffolding dramatically caught fire in Sydney, Australia yesterday after the office block cladding was removed less than a week ago because of concerns sparked by the deadly Grenfell Tower blaze in London last year.

Local media reports the fire ignited the plastic sheeting on the scaffolding of the building, just before 8am and climbed the exterior in a matter of minutes.

Workers had to scramble up the scaffold to avoid the wall of flames.

Fire & Rescue NSW Commissioner Paul Baxter told local reporters it was hard to tell how today’s fire would have played out if the cladding was still in place, but said it could have been “dramatically different”.

The fire was contained before it could reach the internal structure of the building, which is on Macquarie Street next to the NSW Supreme Court and near state parliament.

Twenty people were evacuated and several were being treated for smoke inhalation.

An investigation into the cause of the blaze is under way.

ADVERTISEMENT

Popular Categories

Latest news

Parking fines cost UK tradespeople more than £119m a year

New research reveals the ongoing struggle for tradespeople to find legal parking near job sites, forcing some to turn down work and absorb rising...

Government strengthens Planning Bill with powers to fast-track major projects

The government has announced new measures to “break through planning barriers” by giving ministers expanded powers to intervene in major projects delayed or rejected...

ScaffFloat innovation takes floating access to new depths in Africa

ScaffFloat has once again pushed the boundaries of marine access engineering with a bespoke hoistable pontoon system designed to support pile maintenance on a...

CISRS appoints academic leader to steer quality and standards

The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has appointed Professor David Wooff JP as the first chair of its newly established Quality Assurance Committee...

Onboard weighing systems help scaffolding firms stay safe and compliant

Scaffolding firms across the UK are being encouraged to take a fresh look at onboard weighing systems as the industry works to cut down...

PERI UP system supports cladding remediation at Hilton Hotel

The Hilton Hotel in Kingston upon Thames is undergoing major cladding remediation works to meet updated fire safety standards, with a blended scaffolding solution...

Midland Scaffolding staff go the distance in charity challenge for Poppy

Midland Scaffolding Services (MSS) has raised an impressive £20,000 for Caudwell Children after completing a gruelling ultra-marathon challenge from Birmingham to Northampton. The event named...

AT-PAC names new UK MD as ScaffEx25 showcases national ambitions

After unveiling a wave of new systems at Bauma 2025, AT-PAC used ScaffEx25 in Manchester to shift focus closer to home, demonstrating its UK...

ScaffEx25: An Industry Comes of Age in Manchester

Two days in September that showcased not just where scaffolding is heading, but how far it has already come The doors opened at Manchester Central...

NASC and DWP to create 5,000 scaffolding work placements in 2026

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has teamed up with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver 5,000 scaffolding work experience...

Latest news

The magazine

Issue 27 | Past issues >>

Popular

ScaffChamp 2025: Teams Gather in Vilnius for Opening Day

The international scaffolding competition ScaffChamp 2025 has officially begun,...

Onboard weighing systems help scaffolding firms stay safe and compliant

Scaffolding firms across the UK are being encouraged to...

AT-PAC names new UK MD as ScaffEx25 showcases national ambitions

After unveiling a wave of new systems at Bauma...

PERI UP system supports cladding remediation at Hilton Hotel

The Hilton Hotel in Kingston upon Thames is undergoing...

NASC and DWP to create 5,000 scaffolding work placements in 2026

The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has teamed...

Related articles

Scaffolding makes historic debut at WorldSkills Ireland 2025

Young scaffolders showcase their expertise as the trade is included in the prestigious competition for the first time Scaffolding has been included in WorldSkills Ireland for the first time, marking a significant milestone for...
- Advertisements -

Latest topics

Brand Access renames HQ to honour scaffolding pioneer Daniel Palmer-Jones

Brand Access Solutions has paid tribute to one of...

Parking fines cost UK tradespeople more than £119m a year

New research reveals the ongoing struggle for tradespeople to...

Government strengthens Planning Bill with powers to fast-track major projects

The government has announced new measures to “break through...

ScaffFloat innovation takes floating access to new depths in Africa

ScaffFloat has once again pushed the boundaries of marine...
- Advertisement -