Investigations are underway to determine the cause of a fire that has destroyed a dry cleaning business on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
More than 60 Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters and 16 appliances, as well as a Mobile Command Centre and specialist ladder and hazardous material trucks, were called to the incident in Old Pittwater Road, Brookvale around 9.30pm on 8 May.
Fire was issuing from the windows in both the front and rear of the premises and through the roof. Multiple explosions could also be heard.
The road was closed to all southbound traffic as crews quickly got to work fighting the blaze and protecting neighbouring premises.
At one point, there were signs that the structure was going to collapse, and firefighters were forced to pull back.
It took crews approximately one hour to contain the blaze and a further hour to extinguish it.
A FRNSW Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) or drone was engaged to fly over the scene to identify hazards and hot spots. An exclusion zone was established, and booms were placed around nearby drains.
There were no reported injuries and the road was reopened just before midnight.
Crews remained on scene until this morning to ensure there was no re-ignition of the fire.
FRNSW fire investigators and NSW Police are currently investigating the cause of the blaze.