Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews are working to extinguish a major fire in a waste facility on Sydney's lower north shore. More than 20 FRNSW trucks and 80 firefighters have been called in to attack the blaze, which engulfed the building in Lanceley Place at Artarmon shortly after 3pm.
Large piles of rubbish, including mattresses, are fuelling the flames of the 'eight alarm' blaze. All staff managed to make it to safety outside before the fire took hold. FRNSW crews have since managed to contain the blaze to the warehouse and reduce the large plume of toxic smoke pouring out of the building.
NSW Ambulance paramedics
NSW Ambulance paramedics have assessed two firefighters for heat exhaustion. One has been taken to Royal North Shore Hospital for further treatment, while the other is currently being treated on scene.
A lightning storm, moving through the area at the time of the incident, briefly forced aerial firefighting operations to be paused to ensure the safety of crews. People are urged to avoid the area, with firefighting operations to continue into the night.