Massive fire erupts at Opal Paper Mill as almost 100 firefighters fight the flames in Sydney’s east

Dozens of firefighters are battling to contain a giant blaze at a paper mill in Sydney’s east, with people urged to avoid the area.

Emergency responders raced to the Opal Paper Mill on Botany Road in Matraville shortly after 1pm on Friday.

More than 80 firefighters remain at the scene two hours later trying to extinguish the ‘six-alarm fire’, which was fuelled by strong winds blowing from south-west.

The blaze sparked a secondary blaze at an industrial complex in nearby Pentana Avenue, where seven parked vehicles have been damaged.

All staff have been reported as safe and accounted for. 

Police are at the scene evacuating nearby businesses and homes.

‘As emergency services work to contain the blaze, police are urging people to avoid the area due to the large smoke,’ a NSW police spokesperson said.

‘Motorists are also urged to avoid the area as localised traffic diversion are in place.’

NSW Fire and Rescue say the blaze is currently ‘under control’.

‘This is a big fire with a lot of smoke, and there is a lot of wind, which is feeding oxygen into the fire and also breaking up our water streams,’ Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry told 2GB. 

Aerial photos showed the scene blanketed in huge clouds of black smoke.

‘People in the area are advised to say away from the fire, minimise outdoor travel, and close doors, windows and vents at your premises,’ a Fire and Rescue NSW alert states.

Shocked locals described the scenes as frightening.

‘It was a picture perfect day then all of a sudden there was black smoke everywhere and very loud bangs,’ one resident told the Daily Telegraph.

‘I couldn’t see my garage from my back door from the smoke.’

Another added: ‘Because of the gas cylinders, there were many explosions and they were travelling down the row of cars.’