Over 50 firefighters tackled a significant blaze at a petrol station in Sydney’s west for three hours when numerous gas cylinders ignited.
Around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, emergency teams rushed to the Metro Petroleum station in Fairfield after liquid petroleum gas tanks and barbecue cylinders exploded. Upon arrival, the fire crew faced a massive inferno surrounding several 200-kilogram liquid petroleum gas storage tanks, recounted Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry.
The intense fire produced towering flames that threatened neighbouring properties. “There were significant rocket-like sounds, which frightened already self-evacuated locals,” Superintendent Dewberry noted. The blaze posed a danger of engulfing nearby houses and the potential for a colossal explosion.
Fortunately, about 15 local residents managed to leave safely, while firefighters, with the aid of 17 trucks, battled to control the fire.
Christian Nada, who was at the petrol station when the incident occurred, reported the immense heat and high flames, noting that when they called for emergency services, help was already en route. Another witness, Yousif Zaya, mentioned the rapid spread of the fire, endangering houses in its vicinity.
Following the fire’s containment, a specialised hazardous materials team evaluated the site at Sackville Street and Hamilton Road, ensuring no further threats to the public.
The situation was luckily prevented from becoming a catastrophic event, said Superintendent Dewberry. Authorities, including fire experts and the police, are set to investigate the site on Thursday to determine the fire’s origin.
Notably, Greater Sydney had an extreme fire danger alert and a total fire ban on Wednesday due to the dry, windy conditions. The region has witnessed over 100 bushfires in the recent three-day heatwave.
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