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Sydney – George Patterson Building Fire

Posted on June 13, 2026 by Darin Sullivan in Main

252 George St – 1996 – 2023

Gutted by fire in 1996, the former George Patterson House is now home to the beautifully appointed Establishment Bar/Hotel.

(City of Sydney Archives/A.Pages)

I was one of the first firefighters who arrived at this fire in 1996. It was my last working shift at Headquarters before transfer to Wollongong Fire District. What started out as a fire under the stairwell soon turned into a high rise conflagration. Not may know, but I was trapped for a short period of time on the lower ground floor, when the fire blocked our exit. The Flyer crew accidently saved me.

Another firefighter (SO Warwick Isemonger) was trapped in an adjoining building in Bridge Street after initial building collapse. Great to see it renovated. Plenty of you firies were there with me, thought it might be of interest.

Photo – Daily Telegraph

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About Darin Sullivan (1965 Articles)
Former President of the Fire Brigade Employees’ Union (2009-2018) and a professional firefighter with more than 30 years experience. I live and work on the NSW South Coast, Australia. I am a strong advocate for firefighters and emergency service workers with an interest in mental health issues and caring for those around me. I am a former Director on the NSW Fire Brigades Death and Disability Super Fund and work with charities including ‘The Movember Foundation’. As a leader and activist I have long been active in the campaign for action on climate change. I am a Station Commander in the fire and rescue service in NSW and have 30 years experience fighting fires, both rural and urban. I am passionate about highlighting the impact climate change is having on fire preparedness and fire behaviour in Australia, and the risks associated with inaction on climate change. I am also a spokesperson for the Australian Climate Media Centre.

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