Woman burnt escaping unit fire in St Leonards

At around 12.20am NSW Fire & Rescue supported by Police and Paramedics, responded to a unit fire on Christie Street, St Leonards.

Upon arrival, a fire could be seen on the 6th floor. The fire service called for an urgent "3rd Alarm" response.

Reports were received that residents were trapped by the thick smoke.

One female resident suffered burns to her chest and arms and was treated on scene before being transported to Royal North Shore Hospital.

Around 30 people were evacuated from the unit block.

The Incident commander Kim Simpson said in a press conference that he is pleased with the hard work by his fire & rescue crews.

It was the quick work of the fire crews that prevented the fire spread and minimised injuries.

Police have established a crime scene and are investigating cause of the fire.