Residents were forced to flee units at Kurmond after what is believed to be an electrical fault sparked a fire at the local shops.
Two residents of the units above the shops reported being woken by a loud noise about 3.30am on Sunday, March 3, and both saw a significant amount of smoke and some flames, according to Hawkesbury police.
"Both residents have attempted to put water on the flames, however the fire took hold and began to spread rapidly throughout the unit," police stated.
"The residents have then awoken two more occupants of their unit, before running from the unit. On leaving the unit, they have alerted the residents of the other units in the complex."
Despite a significant amount of smoke within the building complex all residents managed to evacuate and run down into the car park area, contacting emergency services as they did so.
"Police and fire units have responded to the scene to find two units well alight, with a significant amount of smoke coming from within the roof cavity of all units," police stated.
"[Rural Fire Service] units have begun fighting the fire with the assistance of Fire and Rescue NSW personnel. Police spoke with the residents and confirmed that all parties were accounted for."
At least two units were extensively damaged by water, with other units and some shops damaged by smoke.
"Fire Investigators believe the fire was ignited through an electrical fault and do not believe it to be suspicious," police stated.
No one was injured in the blaze.
