Businesses were sent scrambling after a chemical blaze at a major NSW power plant broke out, overheating machinery by up to 1200 degrees and risking a massive fire.
Fire and Rescue NSW firefighters were called an electrical plant at Tomago, near Port Stephens, in the Hunter Valley early Friday morning.
The emergency alarm was raised after the facility’s electrical machinery overheated, causing a dangerous heat build-up to be declared at the Laverick Ave site just after 5.15am.
The overheating temperatures ranged from 700 to 1200 degrees alone.
Staff were evacuated as smoke billowed out from the factory.
NSW Police also evacuated 15 neighbouring businesses as a precaution.
The electrical machinery in the new facility measures 14 x 3 metres, causing concern chemical fire might spread.
Smoke has been detected emanating from power cables.
At least five FRNSW appliances, including Hazardous Materials units, an aerial platform and a bulk carbon dioxide tanker, remain at the scene.
Crews in breathing apparatus are carrying out heat readings within the warehouse housing the machinery.
It is understood the fire is now under control.
The facility is designed to store heat as a power source.
NSW Police had closed Tomago Rd in both directions between Old Punt Rd and McIntrye Rd.
Authorities have since reopened Tomago Rd in both directions.
Diversions have been lifted, and traffic conditions have returned to normal.
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