‘Toxic, extremely dangerous’ fire billowing smoke over Adelaide, locals urged to leave

Authorities have expanded an evacuation zone around a toxic sulphur fire in Adelaide’s north-west, warning more residents to leave immediately.

People within the area bounded by the Port River, Port River Expressway, Hanson Road and Club Road have been urged to evacuate due to the risk of toxic smoke.

The fire is structural and believed to have begun at an industrial shed that was storing sulphur, according to the Metropolitan Fire Service.

“The fire is contained within the shed, but heavy smoke is currently issuing in a south-east direction, however the wind direction may change,” the MFS said.

The direction of the wind means smoke could impact an area closer to Adelaide’s CBD.

“MFS advise people in the vicinity to close windows, doors and be cautious of smoke,” firefighters said.

The updated emergency warning was issued at 4.05pm (4.35pm AEST), expanding an earlier evacuation order that had advised anyone within a one-kilometre radius of Moonta Road to leave immediately.

Emergency services remain at the scene working to extinguish the fire and manage the hazardous materials risk.

Ocean Streamers Road has also been closed in both directions.