Woman dies at scene of lifestyle village blaze in NSW

A woman has died after a fire at a lifestyle village on the New South Wales North Coast.

Fire crews were called to a single-level house at Palm Lake Resort in Yamba just after 9pm and found the women outside, unconscious and suffering from smoke inhalation.

The woman, believed to be aged 73, was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

She is yet to be formally identified.

The blaze was contained to the woman’s unit, which sustained extensive damage.

Palm Lake Group has released a statement saying it is “saddened to learn of the death of one of our home owners”.

“Condolences are offered to the family,” managing director Scott Elliot said in the statement.

“A support team is on its way to Yamba to ensure neighbouring home owners and all resort staff members have access to the support they need at this sad time.”

Police say it is unclear what caused the fire.

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) investigators are assisting police to determine the cause of the blaze.

A FRNSW statement said the incident was the fourth fatal residential fire in the state this winter.

FRNSW is urging people to check their smoke alarms and develop an evacuation plan in case of a fire.

Editor’s note 28/6/2023: The headline on this story initially referred to Palm Lake Resort as a retirement home, when it is a land lease community.