A major truck fire has forced the closure of a key rest area on the M1 motorway north of Sydney, causing significant disruption for early morning travellers.
Early Morning Blaze Erupts
Emergency services were called to the Mooney Mooney northbound rest area just after 3am on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Upon arrival, crews from the NSW Rural Fire Service discovered a heavy vehicle's trailer fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters reported that the trailer had been successfully disconnected from the prime mover, a critical action that prevented the fire from spreading to the truck's cabin and causing more extensive damage.
Road Closures and Driver Advice
The incident has led to the immediate closure of the rest area and the adjacent off-ramp. Live Traffic NSW has advised all motorists travelling on the M1 northbound to reduce their speed and exercise extreme caution when passing the scene.
Authorities have provided detailed detour information for drivers. For those needing a rest stop, the Cowan or Ourimbah rest areas, or the Wyong Service Centre, are the recommended alternatives.
Motorists specifically requiring access to Mooney Mooney are instructed to continue north on the M1, exit at Mt White, and then travel southbound on the Pacific Highway to double back. Another option is to exit at Berowra and use the Pacific Highway. It is important to note that these detours are not suitable for B-double trucks.
Ongoing Impact and Cleanup
While the fire has been extinguished, the cleanup and investigation are expected to take several hours. The closure will remain in effect until authorities deem the area safe for public use. Drivers are urged to plan their journeys accordingly, allow for extra travel time, and follow all instructions from traffic management and emergency services on the ground.
The quick response from firefighters limited the damage primarily to the trailer, and no injuries have been reported in connection with the blaze.
