A massive out-of-control fire has erupted inside a factory in western Sydney.
Emergency services rushed to St Marys at about 1.48pm on Tuesday following reports an industrial chemical storage facility was engulfed in flames.
The fire started at Cleanaway St Marys Liquid Waste Services factory and has erupted into a massive blaze as gas bottles exploded.
NSW Fire and Rescue said gas cylinders at the scene are at risk of exploding, making the fire ‘extremely dangerous’.
More than 100 firefighters and 20 fire trucks are at the scene and are desperately trying to extinguish the blaze.
‘Upon arrival, firefighters encountered intense fire activity, with flames reaching 60 metres in height,’ NSW Fire and Rescue said.
‘Ongoing explosions and stores of chemicals are making it an extremely dangerous and complex operation.’
Firefighters are spraying the fire with water hoses on the ground and from cranes working to stop the fire from spreading to surrounding homes and properties.
The fire has also created a huge plume of toxic smoke, with footage shared to social media showing the thick and black cloud billowing hundreds of metres into the air.
Residents and businesses in the area are being 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.
It’s understood local evacuations will take place shortly as Christie Street remains blocked off from the public.
As of 2.50pm, there have been n reported injuries.
