A significant factory fire erupted at the Cleanaway Liquid Waste Services plant on Christie Street in St Marys, Western Sydney, just after 1.45pm today. By 3pm, the blaze had intensified dramatically, sending large plumes of thick black smoke into the sky and flames soaring up to 60 metres high. Fire and Rescue NSW reported that the fire was exacerbated by chemicals and LPG gas canisters, resulting in numerous explosions and forcing firefighters to retreat at times.
The situation prompted evacuation orders for several nearby locations, including a McDonald’s restaurant, a local preschool, and a golf course, while a nursing home was advised to shelter in place. Over 100 firefighters battled the flames under extremely challenging conditions, with two firefighters treated for heat exhaustion.
Fortunately, by nightfall, the blaze had been contained, and teams are now working to extinguish remaining hotspots. Although the cause of the fire is still unknown, investigations will commence once it is fully extinguished, and the Environment Protection Authority is closely monitoring the site. Residents in the vicinity were also advised to keep windows and doors shut to avoid smoke inhalation.