A significant factory fire in the Illawarra suburb of Unanderra, which caused extensive damage and required a major emergency response, is now under police investigation.
Emergency Response to Intense Blaze
The first emergency calls about the fire at the Thomas Creative building on Berkeley Road began around 10pm on Thursday, December 4, 2025. Witnesses reported flames leaping into the night sky and thick, black smoke billowing from the structure. The inferno was so intense it was visible from Unanderra train station and surrounding areas.
Fire and Rescue NSW deployed a substantial force to combat the flames, sending eight fire trucks and at least 35 firefighters to the scene. Wollongong Station Officer Greg Shepherd described the alarming sight that greeted crews upon arrival, stating the factory was "glowing red." He noted that an open roller door allowed firefighters immediate access to attack the blaze head-on.
Challenging Firefighting Conditions
Extinguishing the fire proved exceptionally difficult for crews. As the iron-constructed building heated up, radiant heat caused the fire to spread into the roof and the western side of the factory. Approximately 20 per cent of the 100-metre long building sustained significant damage.
FRNSW Inspector Andrew Barber detailed the challenges, explaining the building contained materials that fuelled the intense fire. "It was very hard to extinguish, there was a lot of particle board flooring in racks and there was LPG bottles and argon bottles," Inspector Barber said. He praised the work of the firefighters, calling it a "good save" given the circumstances.
Investigation Launched into Cause
Firefighters remained at the Berkeley Road site until 1.30am on Friday, working to fully extinguish the blaze. Fortunately, no nearby buildings were impacted by the fire.
The cause of the fire is now the subject of a police investigation. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the site to determine how the fire started. A key line of inquiry is whether the roller door malfunctioned and opened during the blaze or if it was opened due to criminal activity.
Police are urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
