Toxic sulphur fire at Port Adelaide is out, but residents warned to stay alert
A major fire inside an industrial shed at Port Adelaide has been extinguished, but emergency crews are still warning nearby residents to watch for changing
A major fire inside an industrial shed at Port Adelaide has been extinguished, but emergency crews are still warning nearby residents to watch for changing conditions. Two workers were taken to hospital after the blaze sent toxic smoke over the area.
The fire broke out at about 10:15 a.m. on Moonta Road and burned through a large storage shed holding sulphur, forcing an emergency response from firefighters, hazmat crews and ambulances. Authorities said the smoke was hazardous and could still cause respiratory irritation even after the flames were brought under control.
Smoke, evacuations and hospital treatment
The South Australia Metropolitan Fire Service said the incident was “significant” and “complex”, with about 18 fire trucks sent to the scene, including aerial and hazmat units. At one point, residents within about a one-kilometre radius were told to leave immediately. That warning was later downgraded to advice level on Thursday evening.
SA Ambulance Service confirmed that one person was taken to hospital, while later reports said two workers from the Aurizon Fertiliser plant were hospitalised after being overwhelmed by fumes. Their condition was not disclosed.
Metropolitan Fire Service chief officer Jeff Swann said the blaze involved a large storage shed containing more than 30,000 tonnes of sulphur. “On arrival, firefighters were confronted with a really significant fire,” he told reporters on Thursday night. The cause remains unknown.
Crews remain on site
Even with the fire out, crews were staying at the scene to deal with lingering risks from the hazardous material. Authorities said smoke had been drifting to the south and south-east during the incident, and warned people in the broader warning area, including parts of Port Adelaide near the Port River, Port River Expressway, Hanson Road and Club Road, to keep monitoring emergency updates.
The MFS said the area could still produce an odour and possible respiratory irritation. Residents near the incident were advised to keep windows and doors closed and stay cautious, especially those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
“There is a ongoing hazardous material incident,” the MFS said, adding that conditions could change. Firefighters, it said, expected to remain at the site for some time.
