A massive fire erupted at a Western Sydney factory, fueled by exploding gas cylinders

A large fire has broken out at Cleanaway St Marys Liquid Waste Services in Western Sydney, fueled by exploding gas cylinders and sending thick black smoke into the air. Emergency services are battling the blaze.

A massive fire has erupted at the Cleanaway St Marys Liquid Waste Services facility in Western Sydney, causing explosions and sending thick black smoke into the sky. The blaze began around 1:48 p.m. on Tuesday at the industrial waste facility on Christie St in St Marys. With exploding gas cylinders fueling the fire, the situation has become highly dangerous, prompting authorities to issue an 800-meter exclusion zone and urge people to avoid the area.

NSW Fire and Rescue have responded with over 20 fire trucks and 100 firefighters, battling the fierce flames. Firefighters have been forced to continually adjust their positions due to intense heat and the threat of further explosions. Despite their efforts, getting water to the most dangerous fire zones remains a challenge due to the severe conditions, including scorching temperatures that reached 34°C in St Marys on Tuesday.

The hazardous materials at the site, including large quantities of chemicals and gas cylinders, are expected to keep the fire burning for hours, according to fire officials. Local residents have been advised to close all windows, doors, and vents to avoid exposure to potentially toxic smoke. Fortunately, as of 2:50 p.m., no injuries had been reported.

This isn't the first time the facility has been the site of a dangerous blaze. A fire in April 2022 injured one person and took firefighters more than two hours to contain.

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