Fire in built environment - Oceania - Australia

Three people have been injured in a unit fire in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.Emergency services were called to Portland Crescent, Maroubra, about 4.15am on Sunday after a second-storey apartment was seen alight.A 79-year-old man escaped the unit; however, his 74-year-old partner was trapped inside.One of their neighbours, a 49-year-old was able to get inside and help the woman out.She has suffered severe burns and has been taken to Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious condition.Both men have been taken to Prince of Wales Hospital with smoke inhalation.They are in a stable condition.Residents in the unit block were evacuated as a precaution.<br />Adjoining units have suffered some smoke and water damage.<br />A crime scene has been established.