Residents return home after fleeing fire engulfing Sydney servo

Dozens of residents who fled their units have been allowed to return home after a neighbouring petrol station went up in flames in Sydney’s south-west, sending plumes of black smoke billowing into the sky.

More than 50 firefighters worked to contain the blaze that broke out at the Metro Petroleum station on Hamilton Road in Fairfield about 12.40pm on Tuesday afternoon.

Aerial footage showed flames and smoke shooting from the roof as fire crews fought to contain the fierce blaze.

Richard Duque lost his car in the fire, which took hold as he went inside to pay.

“It was so quick,” Duque told Nine News.

“I saw my car and I said ‘no, I have to run away, look after myself’.”

The service station and surrounding buildings were evacuated as 13 fire trucks arrived on the scene, including HAZMAT crews.

“We were all panicked,” resident Sachin Sunny told Nine News.

“We informed our neighbours and we got out,” he said.

About 50 residents who evacuated have been allowed to return home after atmospheric testing for gas was completed.

Gas cylinders were involved in the fire and are being remotely monitored after being cooled by firefighters on the scene, NSW Fire and Rescue Inspector Steve Brown said.

There are no reports of injuries and the cause of the fire is to be determined.

Fire and Rescue investigators will assist police if required.

Hamilton Road was closed as firefighters battled the blaze, but has since re-opened.

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