Lakemba Sydney Fire Today-Update: Building Fire Closes Canterbury Road in Both Directions

Emergency services were called to the incident during the early hours of Monday, September 28, with the response beginning at approximately 4:12 a.m.

The fire has affected a section of Canterbury Road between Dennis Street and Haldon Street, with authorities closing the road in both directions while emergency crews work at the scene.

The closure is allowing firefighters and other emergency personnel to operate safely and provides a controlled area around the incident for motorists and pedestrians.

Canterbury Road Closed in Both Directions

The closure is expected to affect traffic through Lakemba, particularly during the morning commute.

Drivers approaching the affected section are being urged to avoid the area where possible, follow directions from emergency personnel and observe traffic-control signs.

Light vehicles can use surrounding local streets to divert around the closed section of Canterbury Road. Motorists unfamiliar with the area should allow additional time for their journeys because surrounding roads may experience increased traffic while the closure remains in place.

Heavy vehicles face fewer suitable local alternatives and have been advised to consider larger routes, including Punchbowl Road and Georges River Road. Depending on the final destination, the M5 Motorway may also provide an alternative route.

Emergency Response Continues

Firefighters and other emergency crews remained at the scene as authorities worked to manage the incident.

The road closure is being maintained while emergency operations continue and until officials determine that the affected area is safe for traffic to return.

The timing of the response means some motorists travelling through Lakemba may encounter significant delays even after the immediate fire response begins winding down, particularly if road-cleaning, inspections or other safety work is required before Canterbury Road can fully reopen.

The latest information available indicated that the closure remained in place at approximately 5:21 a.m., with emergency crews still responding to the incident.

Cause and Injuries Not Yet Confirmed

At the time of the latest update, details about the cause of the fire had not been confirmed.

Information about the extent of damage to the building and whether anyone was injured was also not available.

Authorities have not indicated that motorists should attempt to access the closed section, and drivers are expected to continue using designated diversions until emergency personnel and traffic authorities advise otherwise.

Lakemba Fire Station is located on Haldon Street, close to the affected Canterbury Road corridor, providing an established emergency-services presence in the area.

For residents and businesses nearby, the incident may result in temporary disruption beyond the immediate road closure, depending on the duration of firefighting and subsequent safety operations.

Motorists planning to travel through Lakemba should check traffic conditions before leaving, avoid Canterbury Road between Dennis Street and Haldon Street while the closure remains active, and allow extra time if using surrounding roads.

The situation remains subject to change as emergency crews continue their work. Further information about the fire, including its cause, the extent of damage, any injuries and when Canterbury Road will reopen, is expected as authorities complete their response.

For now, the priority remains safely managing the building fire and keeping motorists and pedestrians away from the affected section of Canterbury Road.