Policeman kicks down the door of a burning home in Sydney to save elderly couple

The house fire in Sydenham. Photo / Nine News video

An off-duty police officer in thongs and shorts who kicked in the front door of a burning house in Sydney's inner west to save an elderly couple says he's no hero.

Brenton Charlton was driving to work at about 5.45am local time today when he spotted flames coming from the back of the Sydenham house.

Wearing thongs, Penrith Panthers shorts and a top, the Chief Inspector of the NSW Police Rescue and Bomb Squad kicked down the front door of the burning home after neighbours confirmed an elderly couple was trapped inside.

"It's just an action that had to be taken," Charlton said.

He says he doesn't want to be labelled a hero. "That could be my mother, or my wife, or my kids and my family," he told reporters.

The veteran with 25 years in the force told reporters not to make the story of the elderly couple's rescue about him. "It was a joint effort, it wasn't just me," he said.

Neighbours, three tradesmen and a nurse who were driving by all helped rescue the couple, believed to be in their late 70s or early 80s, he said.

After breaking down the door, Charlton raced inside the smoke-filled home down the hall before locating the elderly woman, who was silent and in shock.

After carrying her outside he went to find her husband who was at the rear of the property.

Newtown Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Gavin Wood said Charlton's efforts were a "significant act of bravery in anyone's language".

He also commended the members of the community who responded to the emergency. "They are all very worthy of significant recognition," he said.

The couple were taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation. Their house has been severely damaged.

- AAP