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A huge fire breaks out at a pharmaceutical factory as more than 70 firefighters work to put out the blaze
- Firefighters were called to the Smithfield, Sydney factory at 2pm on Sunday
- About 15 fire trucks with more than 70 firefighters tried to contain the blaze
- Residents urge to stay indoors as plumes of smoke rise from facility
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A massive fire has torn apart a pharmaceutical factory in western Sydney, sending plumes of smoke flying into the air.
About 15 fire trucks with more than 70 firefighters were called to the Star Combo Pharma facility on Woodpark Road in Smithfield after the fire broke out just after 2 p.m. Sunday.
Solar panels on the factory’s roof caught fire as the fire swept through the facility with thick plumes of black smoke covering neighboring buildings.
More than 70 firefighters worked to put out a fire at the Star Combo Pharma facility (pictured) in Smithfield, Sydney
Giant plumes of smoke billowed from the facility as the fire engulfed the pharmaceutical factory (pictured)
Firefighters used an aerial platform to try and control the fire from the air because it was too hot to enter the factory.
“The fire was so severe that firefighters were unable to enter the property – they fought the fire from outside using aerial work platforms and water towers,” Fire and Rescue NSW said Sunday afternoon.
“Although the fire service did a good job of holding it against the building, extinguishing is complicated by problems getting water on the fire because there are limited openings in the buildings.”
It is clear that the fire is now under control, but residents in the surrounding suburb of Greystanes are being warned to stay indoors and not use air conditioners to avoid inhaling smoke.
Firefighters used an aerial platform to try and control the fire from the air as it was too hot to enter the factory
There were concerns that one person was inside after their car was spotted outside the facility, but authorities have since confirmed they are safe and accountable
There were concerns that one person was inside after their car was spotted outside the facility, but authorities have since confirmed they are safe and accountable.
Star Combo Pharma makes medicines, cosmetics, vitamins and nutritional supplements that are shipped nationally and internationally.
The facility has reportedly just undergone a multi-million dollar upgrade.
Star Combo Pharma (pictured) is said to have completed a multi-million dollar upgrade to their factory before it went up in flames