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A huge industrial fire and explosion tore through a waste-management facility on Kurrajong Road at North St Marys late Saturday night, triggering one of the largest emergency responses in western Sydney in recent years according to Fire Rescue NSW.
What happened
Just before 11 pm, a fire broke out in the facility, which reportedly stored chemical supplies and industrial waste. The blaze escalated rapidly, a massive fireball sent flames up to 150 metres into the sky. A large chemical tank was abruptly blown into the air and concrete debris rained down on responding crews.
More than 200 firefighters including hazmat teams, aerial units and bulk-water carriers were deployed from across Greater Sydney. Over 50 units responded to contain the inferno. Two firefighters sustained minor hand injuries; no fatal or life-threatening injuries have been reported.
Authorities from Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), police and ambulance services remain at the scene. While crews have largely contained the fire, officials warn hazardous chemicals burning on-site may prolong the blaze for hours or even days.
Health, environment and community warning
Residents living near Kurrajong Road have been urged to stay clear of the area, and to keep doors and windows closed to avoid inhaling potentially harmful smoke.
Drones equipped with chemical sensors are mapping smoke and toxin dispersion, while the EPA investigates possible environmental contamination from toxic runoff and airborne pollutants.
Traffic and transport chaos — what travellers need to know
A 200-metre exclusion zone has been imposed around the facility. Motorists heading west of Penrith and into Sydney’s outer west are being urged to avoid the area until further notice. Nearby arterial roads including Kurrajong Road and adjacent industrial connectors remain closed or heavily congested as emergency vehicles continue to mobilise.
Commuters are advised to seek alternate routes, allow extra travel time, or avoid unnecessary travel through St Marys entirely. Local businesses in surrounding suburbs are being advised to postpone operations if possible, especially if they rely on deliveries or transport through affected zones.
What we know and what remains unclear
Fire investigators and police are continuing their probe, but no definitive cause has yet been confirmed. It remains unclear exactly what chemicals or waste materials were stored on-site, a critical factor in assessing long-term health or nvironmental risk.
FRNSW Commissioner described the situation as “one of the most serious industrial blazes we’ve seen in western Sydney.” Firefighters on the ground spoke of dodging flying debris, combating chemical-fuelled flames and working under hazardous conditions
What you should do now
If commuting via the area check live traffic updates, avoid Kurrajong Road and surrounding industrial zones until cleared. If you have property or business near the site document any smoke damage or water run-off, and consider contacting your insurer but wait for authorities’ “all-clear” before entering restricted zones. If you saw the fire or have dashcam/phone footage the police ask you to contact them or Crime Stoppers, your footage may help identify the cause.
