Emergency services have ordered everyone within one kilometre of Moonta Road to leave immediately as a structure fire produces large volumes of hazardous smoke
A major emergency evacuation is underway in Port Adelaide after an industrial fire involving sulphur began producing huge volumes of toxic smoke.
The South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service issued a red-level hazardous materials emergency warning at about 12.15pm on Thursday for Moonta Road and surrounding areas.
Anyone within a one-kilometre radius of Moonta Road has been instructed to evacuate immediately.
“Do not enter the area — it is extremely dangerous,” the warning said.
Emergency services are at the scene, while the smoke has been classified as toxic.
One-kilometre evacuation zone
The Metropolitan Fire Service established the exclusion zone because sulphur burning inside the structure was generating large amounts of smoke.
Residents, employees and visitors inside the affected area have been told not to remain in nearby buildings or attempt to approach the fire.
People outside the evacuation zone have also been warned to avoid Port Adelaide while crews respond to the incident.
The immediate priority is moving people away from the smoke plume and preventing further exposure.
Why burning sulphur is dangerous
When sulphur burns, it can produce sulphur dioxide, a toxic gas capable of irritating the eyes, throat and respiratory system.
Exposure may cause coughing, breathing difficulties and chest discomfort, particularly among people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
The seriousness of the warning reflects both the volume of smoke and the risk of the plume spreading through the industrial and surrounding areas.
Authorities have not yet provided details about what caused the fire or whether anyone has been injured.
Emergency services remain at the scene
Firefighters and other emergency personnel are continuing efforts to contain the blaze and monitor hazardous materials.
The evacuation order will remain significant until authorities determine that the immediate danger has passed.
Anyone who has already left the area should not return until official advice confirms it is safe.
People are being urged to continue monitoring updates from the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service.
The public information hotline is available on 1800 362 361, selecting option 1 and then 0.
Situation still developing
The incident remains active and conditions may change quickly depending on the fire, wind direction and movement of the toxic smoke.
Further information is expected from emergency authorities as crews assess the scale of the fire and the risks to surrounding communities.
For now, the official instruction is clear: anyone within one kilometre of Moonta Road must leave immediately, and no one should enter the affected area.
