Fire breaks out at Villawood recycling facility on Miller Road in Sydney

A fire has broken out at a recycling facility in Sydney’s west, as firefighters begin local evacuations. 

Crews are on the scene of a major fire at a metal recycling facility on Miller Road, Villawood which broke out about 12.30pm on Monday, according to Fire and Rescue NSW. 

Large quantities of shredded mattresses are ‘well alight’ and the fire has taken root deep inside the facility in multiple areas. 

Firefighters are battling to prevent the flames from spreading to an adjoining warehouse.

Approximately 16 fire trucks and more than 60 firefighters working tirelessly to bring the fire under control. 

Firefighters say strong winds and problems with their water supply are complicating the operation.

‘Firefighting efforts are being hampered by water supply issues and strong winds are pushing smoke in a northerly direction,’ a spokesperson said. 

A NSW Ambulance spokesman confirmed there’s an ambulance on scene, but no injuries have yet been reported. 

Firefighters are struggling to control the blaze, which began midday, with wind fanning flames

Fire and Rescue warned wind in the area has blown smoke from the facility around the Villawood area, as they urged locals to take precautions.

‘Wind is pushing smoke northward, prompting (Fire and Rescue NSW) to advise nearby residents to stay away and keep doors, windows, and vents closed,’ a spokesperson wrote.

Evacuations are now underway in the area. 

Miller Road and Sir Thomas Mitchell Road are currently closed. 

In December of last year, a scrap metal yard in St Mary’s, also in Sydney’s west, when an estimated 500 tonnes of scrap metal burst into flames in a factory.

Twenty further fire crews joined the 40 firefighters battling the blaze as it continues to rage

Evacuations are underway as smoke has been blown northward over the afternoon

Smoke has been seen billowing from the scene and blown northward over Villawood, Sydney

Thick, toxic smoke billowed from the pile of steel, copper and cars for five hours as firefighters battled to contain the fire.

It took 50 crew, 14 trucks and staff from the metal yard to bring the burn under control. The yard’s own excavator even assisted in breaking apart the smouldering heap.

In June this year, another metal warehouse fire in Auburn, nearby to Villawood, demanded a similar number of crews.

Fire and Rescue NSW took 50 crews to battle the blaze in order to rotate the firefighters’ shifts safely.