A massive volcanic-like fireball erupted from a factory in Sydney's west on Saturday night, triggering a major emergency response as more than 200 firefighters battled one of the region's largest blazes in years.
Inferno Erupts in Industrial Area
The dramatic fire broke out at a waste facility on Kurrajong Street in North St Marys just before 11pm on Saturday, quickly escalating into an enormous inferno that shot flames 150 metres into the air. Witnesses described scenes resembling a volcanic eruption as the blaze consumed the industrial building.
Fire and Rescue NSW confirmed this was one of the most significant fires seen in western Sydney in recent years, with the intensity of the blaze causing concrete blocks and chemical tanks to explode skyward before raining down on neighbouring streets like lava.
Massive Emergency Response Deployed
Emergency services mounted a substantial operation to contain the dangerous blaze, with more than 50 fire units attending the scene from across the city. Fire crews established defensive positions from holes blown out of adjacent buildings as they fought the flames from all sides.
The firefighting effort included five aerial platforms attacking the blaze from above while ground crews pumped water to douse the intense flames. Projectiles bursting from the fire created what observers described as resembling a fireworks display.
Two firefighters sustained minor hand injuries during the operation, though both were able to continue working. The scale of the emergency required additional specialist teams, including hazardous materials crews and representatives from the Environment Protection Agency, to manage chemical concerns.
Ongoing Impact and Investigation
Authorities have established a 200-metre exclusion zone around the fire site and are urging motorists to avoid the area entirely. Local residents have been advised to close windows, doors and vents to protect themselves from harmful smoke as the fire is expected to continue burning throughout Sunday.
NSW Police released a statement confirming that "NSW Fire and Rescue are attempting to extinguish the blaze which is expected to remain active for a considerable amount of time."
Police have launched a full investigation into the incident's cause, which remains undetermined. Authorities are appealing to anyone with information or potential dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area at the time of the fire to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
