Fire engulfs shopping strip in Auburn, western Sydney

A MAJOR fire has broken out at a Sydney shopping strip with one shop gutted and severe damage to neighbouring stores.

SHOPS have been “completely gutted” on a western Sydney shopping strip following a major blaze that began in a kebab shop.

There are reports of local residents rushing into the flaming building to help rescue those living above the shops.

Fire authorities say a major blaze took hold at around 7am on Auburn Street, in the heart of Auburn in Sydney’s west.

One person self evacuated while eight fire engines, ambulances and police officers rushed to the strip, 20 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD.

The blaze has now been brought under control but the damage is said to be severe.

Smoke coming from a building in Auburn.

The blaze was though to have started in the kitchen of a newly renovated kebab shop. A spokesman for Fire & Rescue NSW said there had been “severe damage” to the adjacent stores, including an athletics shop, but the fire had been contained to the single premises.

Channel 7 reporter Jessica Dietrich said the shop had been “completely gutted”.

“There were huge flames, smoke could be seen for kilometres and people on the train could smell the pungent smoke.

“There was real concern for residents. A store owner down the street knocked on the door and helped residents evacuate.”

One person was assessed by ambulance personals at the scene.

“The fire was contained to the food shop but there was heat and smoke damage to adjoining premises,” a spokesman for the Fire Service told news.com.au.

#BREAKING: Emergency crews have been called to the scene of a large shop fire at Auburn. #9News pic.twitter.com/0jSIq84qA9

— Nine News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) July 6, 2017

Two fire trucks have remained at the scene for to ensure the fire is totally extinguished.

Buses in the area are being redirected away from the blaze.