A massive fire has erupted at Cleanaway’s North St Marys liquid waste facility, which processes hazardous materials like fuels, oils, chemicals, and batteries. Explosive flames and thick toxic smoke are impacting surrounding areas, with major road closures causing traffic chaos across St Marys and the Penrith LGA.
Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors due to potential air quality risks. Emergency crews are battling the blaze at Christie Street, St Marys, NSW, as concerns rise over hazardous waste exposure.
The blaze can be seen as far as Katoomba, with local residents concerned about the fumes and vapor that may be polluting the air.
This is not the first time that the Cleanaway Depot has came under fire, in 2022 a similar fire occured at the same location resulting in WHS fines being issued to Cleanaway as of 2024 by Comcare, an Australian Government division
The charge is a Category 2 criminal offence under the WHS Act, alleging a failure to comply with a health and safety duty that exposed an individual to a risk of serious injury or death. The offence carries a maximum penalty of $1.5 million.
Footage of the fire from inside the Cleanaway Facility - Exclusive to Car Explore (All Rights Reserved)
The Rural Fire Service and NSW Fire Brigade have now put out offical warnings of the fire's and have asked those in surrounding suburbs to delay travel if possible, due to extensive road-closures, and accessibility issues entering and exiting the complexes and streets surrounding the fire.
