Villawood detention centre fire 20230706 p5ytbn.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Detainees jump from two-storey building after fire breaks out at detention centre

Lucy Slade

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Detainees have jumped from a two-storey building by kicking open glass windows and landing on a mattress after a fire broke out at an immigration detention centre in Sydney's west.

Staff placed the mattress underneath the windows as the detainees filmed themselves jumping to safety after the blaze broke out at the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre just before 11.30am.

Two detainees jumped from the second level after the fire started.

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Detainees have jumped from a two-storey building by kicking open glass windows and landing on a mattress after a fire broke out at an immigration detention centre in Sydney's west.

Detainees have jumped from a two-storey building by kicking open glass windows and landing on a mattress after a fire broke out at an immigration detention centre in Sydney's west. Nine

Survivor Habibur Rahman told 9News he tried to get out but the smoke hit him in the face and caused him to have trouble breathing.

"The jump wasn't that scary for me, because it's life and death, if I stayed there I wouldn't be able to breathe," Rahman said.

Hundreds were evacuated as emergency services arrived.

Survivor Habibur Rahman told 9News he tried to get out but the smoke hit him in the face.

Survivor Habibur Rahman told 9News he tried to get out but the smoke hit him in the face. Nine

Detainees have jumped from a two-storey building by kicking open glass windows and landing on a mattress after a fire broke out at an immigration detention centre in Sydney's west.

About 12 people were treated for smoke inhalation, including detainees, staff and first responders. Nine

About 12 people were treated for smoke inhalation, including detainees, staff and first responders.

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It's believed the fire was deliberately lit.

The Australian Border Force is aware of the incident.

An investigation is ongoing.

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