Authorities in Port Adelaide issued an immediate evacuation order on Thursday as a large fire engulfed an industrial building containing sulfur. The South Australia Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) warned residents within a 1-kilometer radius of Moonta Road to leave their homes without delay to avoid exposure to hazardous smoke.

The fire began shortly before 11:30 a.m. local time and generated thick smoke moving in a south to southeasterly direction. An MFS spokesperson described the smoke emissions as substantial and emphasized the urgency of the evacuation. Approximately 15 fire appliances, including specialist aerial units and hazardous materials teams, were deployed to the scene to contain the blaze and manage the associated risks.

Officials advised evacuees to take essential personal items such as mobile phones, medications, and pets when leaving their homes. They also recommended keeping windows, air conditioning systems, and vents closed to minimize smoke intrusion prior to evacuation. Those traveling or not currently at home were urged not to return to the affected area until authorities declared it safe.

The cause of the fire has not been disclosed, and emergency crews continue working to bring the situation under control. No injuries have been reported as of this time. Authorities are maintaining the evacuation zone to safeguard public health as firefighting efforts proceed.