Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has upgraded the inferno in Surry Hills to a '10th alarm' status, the most severe type of fire.
More than 100 firefighters, from 20 fire trucks and multiple stations, continue to work to extinguish the blaze in two buildings on Randle Street. At this stage, it is believed that both impacted buildings have been vacant.
Firefighting operations
FRNSW crews have also been dousing smaller fires that threatened to spread to surrounding buildings, including residential apartments. One firefighter has received a minor burn to his right arm. He is being treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene but will not require hospital treatment.
Firefighting operations are expected to continue throughout the night. The public is urged to avoid the area.