Huge fire engulfs seven-storey tower in central Sydney as highest-level ‘10th alarm’ emergency declared

More than 100 firefighters were tackling fire that engulfed two buildings in Surry Hills

A major fire has engulfed a seven-storey building in Sydney’s central business district, with emergency services assigning the blaze the highest level “10th alarm” response.

Video posted by Sydney’s fire department showed dramatic visuals from the scene, as the front wall of the building collapsed down onto the cordoned-off street below.

More than 100 firefighters were tackling the incident in Surry Hills on Thursday evening, with footage showing efforts to douse the flames close to Sydney’s central railway station.

The fire sparked chaos in central Sydney with several neighbouring towers evacuated. People were heard screaming as bricks and large chunks of walls started crashing to the ground, local media reported.

“Terrible fire in Surry Hills in my electorate. Please stay safe and listen to instructions from emergency services,” Australian MP Tanya Plibersek wrote on Twitter.

“I’m deeply concerned about the fire that has engulfed a building in Surry Hills,” Alex Greenwich, member of parliament for Sydney wrote on Twitter.

“I’ve spoken to the Emergency Services Minister and understand that it has largely been contained. I’m grateful to Fire and Rescue NSW for responding to quickly and in the interest of public safety.”

Authorities say they believe both buildings engulfed in fire had been vacant. However, a small fire was also reported from a surrounding building which included residential apartments.

A wall collapses during a building fire in the Central Business District of Sydney, Australia (EPA)

NSW Fire and Rescue acting commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell told reporters at 6pm local time that the blaze had been contained.

No major injuries have been reported so far but one firefighter has received a minor burn to his right arm.

Fire and Rescue NSW said the injured firefighter was being treated at the scene and would not require hospitalisation.

Smoke seen rising into the sky as massive fire engulfs two buildings in central Sydney (Facebook page of Michael Goode/A)

“I’m pleased to report there has been no indications of any injuries to members of the public,” Mr Fewtrell said.

“It will be a substantial and very prolonged duration of firefighting to extinguish the fire completely so I suspect that we will be here all night and into the morning.”

Authorities are investigating what sparked the massive fire.

One of the buildings that caught fire was old and listed as a heritage site.