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Newcastle Herald

Madeline Link

Wild footage shows inferno swallow industrial shed at Kurri Kurri

Kurri Kurri Adam Dewberry NSW Fire and Rescue

A fire ripped through an industrial shed at Kurri Kurri on Thursday night. Picture by Media Response Newcastle

A fire ripped through an industrial shed at Kurri Kurri on Thursday night. Picture NSW Fire and Rescue Station 344 Kearsley

AN INFERNO has engulfed an industrial shed at Kurri Kurri overnight, drawing a massive response from nearby fire crews who spent hours battling the blaze.

More than 15 NSW Fire and Rescue crews were at the scene in the peak of the firefighting effort, called to the industrial shed on Northcote Street just after 11pm.

NSW Fire and Rescue spokesman Adam Dewberry said the roof of the building collapsed, making it even more difficult for firefighters to extinguish the massive flames.

"The information we have is that it's an unoccupied building or not currently being used," he said.

"Once we get it out, we'll start to have a look at how the fire actually started as well, where and how."

Crews are still at the scene continuing to mop up, with HAZMAT and ladder trucks called to the scene overnight, fighting the fire from above due to the intensity of the blaze.

Multiple crews and pumps got to work on all sides, saving a storage facility on the west side from any damage.

NSW Ambulance paramedics were called to the scene to treat a firefighter for heat exhaustion, who later recovered.

Mr Dewberry said the roof collapse stopped water jets getting into the seat of the fire, making it harder for crews to extinguish due to safety risks.

"They can't get in and around, pulling it all apart, so it'll continue to smoulder for a while and up until an hour ago they were still saying that," he said.

The Environmental Protection Authority has been notified, with HAZMAT crews putting booms in and around the waterways and drainage systems as well.

Mr Dewberry said it is standard practice to inform the EPA and call in HAZMAT at large fires.

"It's just a matter of course, they might monitor the air plume, the air quality around the water run off," he said.

"The booms help clean some of the water that's going into the drainage system, it's not because we're worried about any particular chemical or risk, it's just normal practice for us to do that and try to protect the environment as best we can."

At least eight hours after the fire broke out, crews are still at the scene attempting to fully extinguish it.

The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

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