UPDATE: A devastating industrial fire has erupted at a waste-management facility on Kurrajong Road in North St Marys late Saturday night, triggering a massive emergency response across western Sydney. The blaze, which ignited just before 11 PM, has led to a significant explosion and hazardous fallout in the area.
Witnesses report a massive fireball that shot flames up to 150 metres into the sky, prompting one of the largest emergency mobilizations seen in the region in recent years. A large chemical tank was violently propelled into the air, showering debris on firefighters. Authorities have confirmed that more than 200 firefighters, including hazmat teams and aerial units, are battling the inferno, with over 50 fire units responding to the scene.
Fortunately, two firefighters have sustained minor hand injuries, but no fatalities or life-threatening injuries have been reported. However, the situation remains critical as officials from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), police, and ambulance services continue to work at the scene. While crews have largely contained the flames, officials warn that hazardous chemicals burning on-site may prolong the fire for hours or even days.
Residents in the vicinity are advised to stay clear of the area and keep doors and windows shut to avoid inhaling potentially toxic smoke. Drones equipped with chemical sensors are actively monitoring smoke and toxin dispersion, while the EPA investigates possible environmental contamination from hazardous runoff and airborne pollutants.
Traffic disruptions are severe as a 200-metre exclusion zone has been established around the facility. Motorists heading west of Penrith towards Sydney’s outer west are urged to avoid the area until further notice. Nearby arterial roads, including Kurrajong Road and surrounding industrial connectors, remain closed or heavily congested as emergency vehicles continue to mobilize.
Commuters are advised to seek alternate routes and allow extra travel time or avoid the St Marys area altogether. Local businesses in surrounding suburbs are encouraged to postpone operations, especially those reliant on deliveries or transport through affected zones.
As fire investigators and police continue their probe, the cause of the fire remains undetermined. It is also unclear what specific chemicals or waste materials were stored at the site—information that is critical for assessing long-term health and environmental risks.
FRNSW Commissioner has described the incident as “one of the most serious industrial blazes we’ve seen in western Sydney.” Firefighters on the ground reported dodging flying debris and combating chemical-fueled flames while working under hazardous conditions.
Residents and commuters are advised to check live traffic updates and avoid Kurrajong Road and surrounding areas until further notice. If you own property or a business near the site, document any smoke damage or water runoff, and consider contacting your insurer. However, wait for authorities to issue an “all-clear” before entering restricted zones.
Officials also request that anyone with footage of the fire, whether from dashcams or mobile phones, contact local police or Crime Stoppers, as this evidence may assist in identifying the cause of the blaze.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
