Firefighters have been confronted with giant fireballs “leaping” into the air as a massive factory inferno continues to rage and billow toxic smoke in Sydney’s south-west.
Residents have been evacuated as the blaze sends toxic smoke over the area, shutting down nearby roads.
The out-of-control inferno broke out this morning at the facility on Hoxton Park Road, near Cartwright Avenue, in Prestons.
A firefighter on scene told Today crews were faced with monster fireballs exploding from the factory.
“On arrival, firefighters were confronted with fireballs leaping 50 metres in the air,” he said.
Local residents are being told to leave as more than 150 firefighters work to contain the raging blaze.
Residents have reported hearing a number of explosions, with debris flying from the scene.
“I just heard a big explosion,” a resident told Today.
“We had to get up for work and first thing that I saw was flames in the sky and just very terrified at the moment to be honest.”
There is believed to be tens of thousands of litres of flammable and dangerous liquids at the site, including insecticides, ethanol, brake fluid, hydraulic fluid and LPG cylinders.
Firefighters are battling to prevent the toxic chemicals from exploding and filtering into a stream of water, as housing estates border the fire.
Residents have been warned to stay indoors and keep their windows closed to prevent the toxic smoke from infiltrating their homes.
No injuries have yet been reported but two employees were forced to flee.
Fire crews were called to the blaze about 5.20am.
The business was closed at the time.
Road closures on Hoxton Park Road are expected to remain throughout the morning and motorists are advised to avoid the area.
It will take firefighters most of the day to bring the blaze under control.
This content first appear on 9news