***VISION ALERT - Fire and Rescue NSW continues Hazmat operations after major blaze - St Marys
Published: 05 Feb 2025 01:20pm
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) crews remain at the scene of yesterday's major fire and chemical emergency in Sydney's west.
More than 100 firefighters and 20 fire trucks were confronted by 60-metre high fireballs at the waste recycling plant in Christies Street, St Marys, just after 2pm.
Burning gas bottles and chemicals caused numerous explosions at the height of the blaze, forcing authorities to evacuate workers nearby.
Once the fire was contained early last night, firefighters worked through the evening to extinguish persistent hot spots.
FRNSW is working with site management, the NSW Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and Comcare to execute a Hazardous Materials management plan, including monitoring runoff from firefighting efforts.
FRNSW's Aviation Unit is using Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or drones, to provide valuable threat and damage assessments at the scene.
FRNSW fire investigators are also at the site to determine the origin and cause of the fire.
Media note: Fresh bodycam footage of the fire and new drone footage is available here: https://vimeo.com/1053586279/e4f4297f4c?share=copy [external link]
Updated: 05 Feb 2025 12:25pm
Related safety topics
The best way to keep you and your family safe is to prevent fires from occurring and know what to do in case of a fire.
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. [external link]
Stations nearby
1a Ellsworth Drive, Tregear NSW 2770
1 Marsden Road, ST Marys NSW 2760
81 Railway Street, Mount Druitt NSW 2770