A massive out-of-control fire has erupted inside a factory in western Sydney.
Emergency services rushed to St Marys about 1.48pm on Tuesday as the industrial chemical storage facility became engulfed in flames.
The fire started at Cleanaway St Marys Liquid Waste Services factory and quickly grew into a massive blaze as gas bottles inside the building exploded.
More than 100 firefighters and 20 fire trucks were deployed to the scene.
Fire and Rescue NSW said more gas cylinders are at risk of exploding, making the fire ‘extremely dangerous’ for attending firefighters.
‘Upon arrival, firefighters encountered intense fire activity, with flames reaching 60 metres in height,’ it said in a statement.
‘Ongoing explosions and stores of chemicals are making it an extremely dangerous and complex operation.’
Firefighters are spraying the fire with water hoses at ground level and from cranes to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding homes and properties.
The fire erupted inside a factory at St Mary’s in western Sydney on Tuesday afternoon
More than 100 firefighters are battling the blaze as gas cylinders continue to explode and fuel the massive fire (pictured, toxic black smoke is seen coming from the factory in St Marys)
The fire has created a huge plume of toxic smoke, with footage shared to social media showing the thick black cloud billowing hundreds of metres into the air.
Residents and businesses in the area were advised to keep their doors, windows, and vents closed due to the threat of toxic smoke.
Authorities have established an 800-metre exclusion zone and are urging people to avoid the area.
There were no immediate reports of injuries.
High ambient temperatures and windy conditions also challenged the efforts of firefighters, with St Marys reaching a sweltering 34C on Tuesday.
‘The incident is ongoing and updates will provided as soon as they become available,’ Fire and Rescue NSW said.
In 2022, the same chemical waste facility caught fire, with the flames injuring one man and taking firefighters two hours to contain.
