Pictures show 150 metre tall fireball explosion as hundreds of firefighters battle monster inferno

The explosion blew a chemical tank into the air causing fire and concrete to rain down on hundreds of firefighters below.

Firefighters are battling an inferno that has destroyed at least one building and has detonated a chemical tank at an industrial site in Sydney, Australia. New South Wales Fire said that the explosion saw “fist-sized” chunks of concrete and other debris rain down on first responders.

Pictures captured by NSW Ambulance officers show the moment the night sky went from black to bright orange as the fireball exploded over the western Sydney suburb of North St Mary’s on Saturday (November 29). More than 200 firefighters are battling the blaze, which broke out just before 11pm local time.

Firefighters worked to establish numerous lines of defence to fight the blaze from all angles. Crews on the ground took advantage of the holes blown out of neighbouring buildings, with other fire trucks pumping water by relay to douse the flames.

Aerial crews took on the inferno from above. NSW Fire confirmed that crews contained the inferno at about 8am local time and had deployed a total of five aerial crews to assist alongside firefighters from across Sydney, the Rural Fire Service, and regional crews.

Specialist HAZMAT officers have also descended on the scene in the wake of the fireball explosion which blew up a chemical tank. HAZMAT specialists will deal with the chemicals being consumed in the fire, alongside officers from the Environment Protection Authority, who are also on scene.

A raft of first responders from NSW Police and NSW Ambulance are also in attendance and will remain on site as the fire continues to burn in the hours to come.

“NSW Ambulance paramedics remain at the scene of a factory fire as firefighting operations continue. Two patients were assessed at the scene but didn’t require further treatment,” a spokesperson said.

Both were firefighters who suffered minor burns to their hands in fighting the blaze.

A NSW Police spokesperson added that “NSW Fire and Rescue are attempting to extinguish the blaze, which is expected to remain active for a considerable amount of time.

“A 200-metre exclusion zone has been established and motorists are urged to avoid the area.”

Fire and Rescue also issued a warning of its own, with a spokesperson adding that anyone “living within 500 metres of the fire in Kurrajong Road, North St Marys” should “stay indoors and keep their doors and windows closed to avoid harmful smoke. Locals are also asked to limit their recreational activities in the area as the emergency continues.”

They added: “Fire and Rescue NSW continues to monitor the atmosphere and so far the readings along the residential areas are clear. The smoke plume is rising and dissipating at this stage.”

The cause of the fire remains unknown. Investigations from police and specialist teams have already begun as the fire continues to burn for hours to come.