4PM UPDATE: Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews have stabilised a dangerous heat build-up at a thermal energy storage plant at Tomago.
Emergency services were called to the facility in Laverick Avenue just after 5.15am on Friday 6 October.
Firefighters called in a Bulk Carbon Dioxide Tanker from Sydney as they sprayed CO2 onto the 14x3m over-heated machinery.
They were prevented from using water to cool the machinery due to the risk of explosion.
Crews also used dry chemical powder extinguishers to douse burning electrical cables at the site.
The scene now has been deemed to be in a steady state and the emergency scaled down.
A FRNSW Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) crew will remain at the scene for the next day or two to monitor the situation.
EARLIER: Emergency services have closed multiple roads, while several businesses were evacuated, after a hazardous materials incident broke out at Tomago on Friday morning.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews received a call to an electrical plant in Laverick Avenue just after 5am on 6 October.
It came after a dangerous heat build-up was declared at the site.
Three staff were evacuated as the incident occurred in electrical machinery, measuring 14 x 3 metres.
Police also cleared 15 neighbouring businesses as a precaution.
At least five FRNSW appliances, including Hazardous Materials units, an aerial platform and a bulk carbon dioxide tanker are at the scene.
Personnel in breathing apparatus are carrying out heat readings within the warehouse housing the machinery.
They have detected smoke emanating from power cables.
FRNSW expects this to be a protracted incident.
“Tomago Road is closed in both directions between Old Punt Road and McIntrye Road and motorists are advised to avoid the area,” a spokesperson said.
“Those needing to travel can use Masonite Road and the Pacific Highway, or Nelson Bay Road instead.”
The facility is designed to store heat as a power source.
For more news stories:
- Going, going, gone: Demolition begins on Maitland Park Bowlo
- Bushfire risk closes Watagans National Park
- From Newcastle to Kempsey… teens charged following crime spree
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
