Several buildings damaged in Seven Hills factory fire

IT took firefighters about three hours to bring a massive factory fire — which destroyed three buildings within an industrial complex in Seven Hills — under control. Police have now set up a crime scene to help fire crews investigate the blaze.

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THREE buildings within one industrial complex were destroyed when a fire ripped through a factory in Sydney’s west today.

The blaze broke out about 12.45pm inside a factory on Prospect Hwy, Seven Hills and spread to adjoining buildings.

NSW Fire and Rescue said the main fire started inside a refrigeration business.

More than 100 firefighters responded to the blaze and billowing clouds of black smoke forced the closure of Prospect Hwy in both directions between Lucas and Station streets this afternoon.

A number of surrounding businesses were also evacuated as a precaution.

Large plumes of smoke coming from a factory fire in Seven Hills. Picture: David Swift

Large flames at the factory fire. Picture: Richard Dobson

It took firefighters about three hours to bring the fire under control but fire crews will remain there until tomorrow to fully extinguish the flames.

Police have also set up a crime scene to investigate the blaze.

Initial reports that a person was injured were incorrect with NSW Police and Ambulance stating they had no reports of injuries.

NSW Fire and Rescue Acting Superintendent Steve Brown said the fire was under control.

“There is a lot less smoke and the situation is in hand,” he said at 4pm.

“We are relieving crews and winding down here but will probably be here until tomorrow.”

A 2km exclusion zone was put in place.

Firefighters battling the blaze. Picture: David Swift

Fire fighters using a crane to contain the blaze. Picture: Richard Dobson

Locals capturing the fire on their mobile phones. Picture: Richard Dobson

Harley Piearman and wife Katia Piearman heard a number of explosions about 1.10pm from their nearby home.

“There were a number of explosions, about six or seven … I’d say it’s a chemical fire,” Mr Piearman said.

“The smoke has definitely calmed down a bit now. When we arrived the smoke was filling the air.”

Fire at Seven Hills Station Road pic.twitter.com/aG8dHSsAL3

— Prazad Silva (@prazadsilva) 3 November 2018

Steve and Lyn Richmond have lived in Seven Hills for 31 years and were shocked to hear several explosions.

Watching on from their front porch, Lyn said they were “scared to leave the house”.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.