North St Marys: Massive Chemical-Waste Fire Triggers Explosion, Traffic Chaos, and Hazardous Fallout
A massive chemical-waste fire and explosion erupted late Saturday night at a North St Marys facility, triggering one of western Sydney's largest emergency responses. Over 200 firefighters contained the inferno, but hazardous chemicals continue to burn. Residents are urged to stay indoors due to toxic smoke, and major traffic disruptions persist with road closures. Authorities are investigating the cause and potential long-term environmental risks, while commuters face significant delays.
A significant industrial fire and explosion occurred late Saturday night at a waste-management facility on Kurrajong Road in North St Marys. The blaze, reportedly involving chemical supplies and industrial waste, rapidly escalated into a massive fireball reaching 150 meters, with a chemical tank exploding and concrete debris raining down. Over 200 firefighters, including hazmat teams, were deployed in one of western Sydney's largest emergency responses, with two firefighters sustaining minor injuries. While crews have largely contained the fire, officials warn that hazardous chemicals burning on-site could prolong the incident for hours or days. Authorities from Fire and Rescue NSW, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), police, and ambulance services are on scene. Residents near Kurrajong Road have been advised to stay clear and keep doors and windows closed due to potentially harmful smoke. Drones are monitoring smoke dispersion, and the EPA is investigating possible environmental contamination from toxic runoff and airborne pollutants. A 200-meter exclusion zone has been established, causing major traffic disruptions. Motorists west of Penrith and in Sydney’s outer west are advised to avoid the area, as Kurrajong Road and surrounding industrial connectors remain closed or heavily congested. Commuters are urged to seek alternate routes, allow extra travel time, or avoid unnecessary travel through St Marys. The exact cause of the fire and the specific chemicals stored remain under investigation, making long-term health and environmental risk assessment challenging.
