Shipping cautioned in wake of Port Adelaide sulphur fire

SHIPPING movements at the Port of Adelaide on Friday lunchtime are continuing with heightened caution following the extinguishing of a major fire.

The fire occurred within the Port Adelaide industrial precinct, close to key bulk‑handling and general‑cargo facilities.

While the incident did not directly affect berths, an ongoing HAZMAT exclusion zone has resulted in movement restrictions for heavy vehicles, temporary access limitations for port‑adjacent businesses and delays to some landside operations.

Shipping movements through the Inner Harbour and Outer Harbour have continued, but with heightened caution.

Pilots and vessel masters have been advised of potential visibility issues from drifting smoke, and some operators have reported minor delays to cargo handling due to workforce displacement and restricted access to nearby logistics yards.

Emergency crews extinguished the sulphur fire that broke out inside an industrial shed at Port Adelaide, but the incident remains active as hazardous‑materials teams continue to manage toxic smoke and remove smouldering product.

The blaze, which began on Wednesday afternoon, prompted a major emergency declaration, a temporary evacuation zone and significant disruption across the port precinct.

Authorities say the fire was brought under control without the use of water due to the risk of chemical reaction or explosion.

Instead, firefighters used earth‑moving equipment to break apart burning sulphur and deprive it of oxygen.

Two workers were taken to hospital after smoke inhalation, including one rescued from inside the shed. Up to 18 appliances, including aerial and HAZMAT units, attended the scene.

Although flames have been extinguished, the site continues to emit sulphur dioxide, and emergency services warn that smoke remains hazardous.

An advice‑level warning is still in place for residents who may notice odour or haze, with instructions to close windows and doors and monitor official updates.

The earlier “leave immediately” evacuation order for the Moonta Road area has been lifted, but the broader industrial zone remains under restricted access.

Sulphur is a common bulk commodity handled at several Australian ports, and the incident is expected to prompt renewed scrutiny of storage‑shed safety standards, ventilation systems and emergency‑response protocols for reactive cargoes.

Emergency services expect to remain on site for an extended period as they complete product removal, air‑quality monitoring and structural assessment of the affected shed.