Massive industrial fire burning at smash repairs in Auburn, western Sydney

Two people have been taken to hospital after a massive fire closed off an industrial zone in southwestern Sydney. The fire that started at an auto repair shop in Auburn on Monday evening was brought under control after two hours, but more than 100 firefighters and 20 fire trucks remained on the scene in as the fire continued to smoulder. Operations are ongoing and expected to continue throughout the night. At the height of the blaze, Fire and Rescue NSW was using three aerial ladder platforms to douse the flames from above and drones were deployed to gain situational awareness. The roof of the building where the fire started collapsed, but firefighters protected neighbouring properties including an adjoining timber flooring warehouse and a petrol station. A number of people were evacuated from surrounding businesses and residents in the wider area are being urged to stay inside, close windows and doors as there is a large amount of smoke in the vicinity. Two people in the auto repair shop were taken to hospital suffering smoke inhalation and burns. FRNSW deemed it unsafe for firefighters to enter the collapsed building to fully extinguish the blaze. Peak-hour traffic was thrown into chaos on Monday evening after the fire broke out at a factory in western Sydney. A hundred firefighters raced to the scene, with police setting up an exclusion zone. The fire that broke out at an automotive business on Stubbs Street in the suburb of Auburn was reported about 6.15pm. There was heavy traffic on Parramatta Road between St Hilliers Rd/Silverwater Road and Skarratt Street South. At least 20 fire fighting trucks carrying 100 crew have stopped the fire spreading to nearby buildings. But more than 10 blocks of busy Parramatta Road are blocked. Smoke can be seen billowing from the fire on a nearby live traffic camera. Police declared an exclusion zone around the fire, requesting that anyone who lives in the area to make themselves known to police. “Residents who live in the exclusion zone are asked to find alternative accommodation,” a police spokesperson said. “Diversions are in place. The public is urged to avoid the area.” Police have set up an assembly area at Dooley’s Catholic Club in Lidcombe. Parramatta Road is closed in both directions from St Hilliers Road to Hampstead Road, Auburn.