St Marys: Factory fire in Christie St, more than 100 firefighters on scene

A factory fire in Sydney’s west has been upgraded to “a 14th alarm” – the highest available level – as more than 100 firefighters remain on scene. People are urged to avoid the area.

More than 100 firefighters and 20 fire trucks responded to a commercial recycling factory blaze at St Marys where flames reached 60m tall.

Firefighters were called to Cleanaway Liquid Waste Services on Christie St about 1.50pm on Tuesday to reports of a factory fire and explosion sounds.

Just before 5pm, the fire was upgraded to “a 14th alarm” – the highest available level.

Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said there were no reported injuries from inside the building however some firefighters were treated for heat stress.

One firefighter was taken to Mt Druitt hospital in a stable condition.

The factory is on Christie St.

Explosions could be heard from the building. Picture: TNV

Commissioner Fewtrell said every resident within 800m of the site had been evacuated, and those within 1km of the site had been told to keep their windows and doors closed. An emergency alert was also issued to residents in the area.

He said there was a “real mixture” of products burning, most of which were chemical waste.

“We’re working with the facility to identify the types of products,” he said.

More than 100 firefighters are on scene. Picture: TNV

An exclusion zone has been set up. Picture: NewsLocal

A Fire and Rescue NSW spokesman said crews continued to battle the blaze late into the afternoon, but large stocks of chemicals and gas cylinders involved in the fire were making conditions highly volatile.

“Firefighters are constantly repositioning due to the explosions and extreme heat,” he said.

“A lack of safe access is preventing sufficient water from being applied to fully suppress the fire. Crews have been partially successful in stopping the blaze from spreading to some areas, but the intensity and hazardous conditions are limiting access.”

Emergency services are on scene. Picture: TNV

Cleanaway St Marys Liquid Waste Services is on fire. Picture: TNV

Firefighters were confronted with flames 60m tall on arrival.

“Ongoing explosions and stores of chemicals are making it an extremely dangerous and complex operation,” the FRNSW spokesman said.

Westview Frames and Trusses owner Wayne Brady said he was unable to access his nearby business due to the exclusion zone.

“I was packing to go out and I could hear crackling … like banging and a cracking that sounded like small gun fire. It’s just been bellowing since,” he said.

FRNSW is working closely with the NSW Environment Protection Authority to monitor smoke plume dispersion and water run-off.