Old Pittwater Rd, Brookvale: Residents warned to stay indoors to avoid dangerous smoke

Warnings were issued for residents near a massive factory fire in Brookvale to stay indoors and lock their windows and doors on Monday night to avoid potentially dangerous smoke. See the video

Firefighters battle to contain a large blaze that has engulfed a factory complex at Brookvale on Monday, night, containing a tyre and mechanical workshop. Picture: Fire and Rescue NSW

Residents have been warned to stay indoors to avoid potentially dangerous smoke and fumes from a massive factory fire on Sydney’s northern beaches on Monday night.

The blaze broke out at about 6.45pm in multiple small businesses in a factory complex including a tyre and mechanical workshop, in the Brookvale industrial estate.

Fire and Rescue NSW urged locals to take precautions tonight against thick, black smoke spewing from the large fire that broke out in a row off brick and iron factory units in Old Pittwater Rd.

It also confirmed that a “number of businesses have been destroyed”.

Firefighters managed to save a number of businesses, including the Big Air Indoor Bike Park.

A large blaze has engulfed a factory complex in Old Pittwater Rd, within the Brookvale industrial estate. Picture: Fire and Rescue NSW

At 11.30pm Fire and Rescue spokesman Adam Dewberry said the fire was under control, but still not completely out.

Smoke was still coming from the site at midnight.

“Multiple business occupancies in the complex have been destroyed,” Superintendent Dewberry said.

“Walls have collapsed, roofs have fallen in and vehicles have been damaged.”

Police set up a command centre near the site of a factory fire. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

It is understood that a storage and furniture removal business has been badly affected as well as a gymnastics academy.

There are also a number of offices and warehouses within the complex.

Police blocked off Old Pittwater Rd to traffic and pedestrians near the site of a factory fire. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

Sixteen fire engines, including three aerial and ladder appliances, and more than 50 firefighters were battling the ‘fourth alarm’ blaze.

Supt. Dewberry said that several cars in the workshop had been damaged by the fire and falling debris.

Residents living nearby have been warned to stay indoors and avoid the potentially dangerous black smoke spewing form the blaze. Picture: Fire and Rescue NSW

Fire crews, wearing breathing apparatus set up a defensive perimeter and saved a number of other vehicles as they worked to contain the fire.

There have been no reports of injuries.

Firefighters have set up a defensive perimeter around the fire. There are no reports of injuries at this stage. Picture: Fire and Rescue NSW

Firefighters and police were still at the scene at midnight on Monday. Picture: Jim O'Rourke

“Local residents are being urged to stay indoors and shut any windows if they are at risk of being affected by smoke,” a spokesman said.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.