28/01/11 - 100 firefighters battle massive factory fire
Published: 28th January 2011
At 12.42pm on Friday 28 January, Fire and Rescue NSW processed the first of many Triple Zero calls to a factory fire in Kurrajong Avenue at Mt Druitt. Due to the number of callers the supervisor immediately dispatched six fire trucks. The crew from Mt Druitt were first on scene and confirmed that a factory containing a large amount of flammables including resins, solvents and paints was well alight. There were numerous drums exploding and walls collapsing.It was confirmed that the premises, measuring 40 x 100 metres, contained over 20,000 litres of resins and solvents. A grass fire had started in an adjoining area and there were major concerns that the blaze would spread to an adjoining timber factory and the surrounding areas were evacuated. Over 100 firefighters from eighteen fire stations attended the massive blaze and a defensive firefighting strategy was deployed. The fire was finally brought under control within two hours.
The factory was totally destroyed and fortunately no injuries were reported. Given the intensity and heat of the fire it was a credit to all involved that the adjoining timber yard was saved. Preliminary investigations revealed that a worker was mixing resins inside the factory when the mixture ignited. Well done to all for a good effort in difficult conditions.