Huge Fire Engulfs Surry Hills Building, People Urged to Avoid Area

UPDATE: Firefighters say they have contained a massive blaze in Sydney CBD, with onlookers saying they felt the ground shake as walls collapsed.

Just before 6pm, NSW Fire and Rescue NSW Acting Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell told the media a massive fire in the Sydney CBD had been contained. He said while the fire had spread to nearby buildings, these fires had been extinguished.

More than 100 firefighters and twenty trucks attended the fire, with two buildings impacted.

The fire broke out around 4 pm this afternoon in an empty, seven-story building. The ABC has confirmed the property is a heritage-listed site, which was formerly the RC Henderson hat factory. It’s believed the building was set to be turned into a hotel.

Firefighting operations are expected to continue throughout the night.

EARLIER: A massive fire has broken out in the heart of Surry Hills in Sydney, with fears the building could collapse.

Fire and Rescue NSW confirmed firefighters were on the scene at the multi-story building, with at least ten fire trucks battling the intense blaze in Randle Street.

Drivers and pedestrians are being urged to avoid the area and road closures are in place.

The fire is believed to have started on the third floor and started on Thursday afternoon.

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