Backpackers living in shipping containers rescued from factory fire in Alexandria

BACKPACKERS living in shipping containers were caught up in a major fire in inner Sydney overnight.

Factory Fire Alexandria

BACKPACKERS living in shipping containers were caught up in a major fire in inner Sydney overnight.

Four people were rescued and another 14 were evacuated from the fire in a single-storey factory in Burrows Rd, Alexandria, after emergency services were alerted to the blaze about 1.40am.

The fire later spread to two nearby buildings.

There has been extensive damage after a major fire in central Sydney overnight. Picture: Bill Hearne

Flames were seen rising 30m into the air and explosions were heard coming from within.

About 80 firefighters from 12 stations worked to evacuate people in danger and managed to extinguish the blaze by about 3am.

The 18 people involved were living in shipping containers behind the industrial complex in what appeared to be illegal accommodation, a Fire and Rescue NSW spokesman said.

The building was extensively damaged but no one was injured.

Firefighters respond to the blaze on Burrows Rd, Alexandria. Picture: Bill Hearne

Some firefighters remain on the scene mopping up.

Police are not treating the fire as suspicious.

A spokeswoman said forensic services were waiting for the building to be deemed safe before entering to determine the cause of the blaze.

She advised that police had found alternative accommodation for the backpackers.

Burrows Rd is still closed to traffic. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and visit Live Traffic NSW for alternative routes.

Twelve fire stations were involved in tackling the blaze. Picture: Bill Hearne

Originally published as Backpackers living in shipping containers rescued from factory fire in Alexandria