Incident update – Firefighters battle intense industrial fire
The large and dangerous industrial fire and hazardous materials emergency at St Marys in Sydney’s west has now been upgraded to a 14th alarm – the highest available level.
Crews continue to battle the blaze however large stocks of chemicals and gas cylinders involved in the fire are making conditions highly volatile.
Firefighters are constantly repositioning due to the explosions and extreme heat.
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.
Firefighters are operating in extremely hot conditions, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees.
Two firefighters, suffering heat exhaustion, have been treated on scene, with one transported by NSW Ambulance to Mt Druitt Hospital in a stable condition.
FRNSW is working closely with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to monitor smoke plume dispersion and water runoff to protect local waterways and the environment.
FRNSW is urging people to avoid the area and follow directions from emergency services personnel on scene .
An 800-metre exclusion zone is in place and evacuations have been undertaken by NSW Police.
Residents and businesses outside the exclusion zone, up to a kilometre away, are advised to keep doors, windows, and vents closed to minimise exposure to smoke and airborne chemicals.
The public is advised to avoid the area.
It is expected to remain a prolonged operation.
It“s the law to have at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.
Learn about smoke alarms
Details about this incident may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice.
For all life threatening emergencies, call Triple Zero (000)
For flood information, warnings or requests for non-life threatening assistance, call the SES on 132 500 or visit the NSW State Emergency Service website here. [external link].
For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here.
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