Overview

• The blaze erupted about 1am Friday at a Hilltop Road property in Avalon Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
• Six fire trucks and 22 firefighters responded as flames were seen venting through the roof.
• Significant roof and floor collapse rendered the structure unstable, stopping internal firefighting and search.
• Police said an occupant of the home remains unaccounted for as the site continues to smoulder.
• Fire and Rescue NSW is deploying infrared-equipped drones to identify hotspots, with commanders warning of fall risks into a rear gully and requiring heavy-protection gear for any close inspection.