A factory fire at Cromer was extinguished early in the morning after emergency crews responded to smoke coming from an industrial building on South Creek Road.
Early Call-Out In Cromer
Fire and Rescue NSW crews attended the Cromer site shortly before 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, 15 January 2026, following reports of a factory fire opposite St Matthews Farm playing fields. Smoke was visible coming from the industrial premises on arrival.
Additional fire crews were requested from nearby stations to assist with the response. Staff had already evacuated the building before firefighters entered the site wearing breathing apparatus.
Fire Located In Industrial Equipment
Inside the premises, firefighters identified an active fire within a large industrial vat believed to contain a chemical substance. After consulting with staff regarding the nature of the material involved, crews used internal hose reels and a hose connected to an external hydrant to suppress the fire.
The fire was extinguished by about 7:00 a.m.
Post-Fire Safety Measures
Following extinguishment, firefighters assessed the structure of the building and established an exclusion zone around the affected equipment. Smoke was cleared from the premises, and the area was monitored using a gas detector, with no readings recorded.
Staff were advised to consult an electrical contractor before restoring power to the affected section of the building.
Cause And Regulatory Notification
The cause of the fire was determined to be an exposed heating element in industrial equipment coming into contact with flammable materials. Control of the site was handed back to the company shortly before 7:45 a.m.
Fire and Rescue NSW notified the NSW Environment Protection Authority following the incident. The EPA is commonly notified after industrial incidents involving chemicals or potential pollution risks so it can determine whether further assessment or investigation is required.
Such notification does not indicate that environmental harm has occurred. Firefighters monitored the area using a gas detector after the fire was extinguished, with no readings recorded.
Published 17-Jan-2026