DOZENS of residents fled for their lives and two had to be rescued from a first-floor window after fire engulfed a hostel in Sydney’s west last night.

Firefighters were called to the Concord hostel just before 6pm after the fire began in a first-floor room.

Emergency crews were confronted with heavy smoke and flames as they used a ladder to pull

media_camera Firefighters at the scene on Parramatta Road, Concord / Picture: Richard Dobson

two residents from a tiny window in a dramatic ­rescue. Dozens of firefighters arrived at the Parramatta Rd property, with initial reports suggesting as many as 30 residents were missing.

But after extinguishing the blaze and carrying out a sweep of the building, they confirmed there had been no fatalities. “It could have been a catastrophe,” firefighter David Tchappat said. “Entering the front doors we were confronted with a lot of flames.”

Two residents were treated by paramedics at the scene for burns and smoke inhalation and taken to Concord Hospital. Other boarders refused treatment at the scene.

media_camera Firefighters at the scene on Parramatta Road, Concord / Picture: Richard Dobson

“They were very lucky to get out,” a paramedic said.

A man whose family owned the property before selling it to the current owners said they often had issues with boarders smoking in rooms. “I wouldn’t be surprised at all if that’s what’s happened,” Joshua said. “A lot of people smoked in the rooms. It was an issue that had to be continually pressed. It’s really cheap so it ­attracts certain people.”

media_camera Firefighters at the scene on Parramatta Road, Concord / Picture: Richard Dobson

Another man returned to the hostel after hearing about the incident and said his room had been gutted by the fire. “All I can do is wait,” he said.

“My place is burnt down and my best mate is with the ambulance.”

It is believe the owner of the hostel does not stay at the property.

He said he “didn’t know about it” when contacted last night but said he would be visiting the scene.

Two lanes of Parramatta Rd had to be closed for several hours last night.

media_camera Firefighters at the scene on Parramatta Road, Concord / Picture: Richard Dobson

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