A chemical spill has occurred at a warehouse in Balbu Close, Beresfield this morning, forcing the evacuation of 25 people.
Crews are on scene in fully covered Hazmat suits, as they decant around 600 litres of liquid-form Sodium Hydroxide into safe bins.
Fairfax reports a vehicle has ruptured the storage container the substance was being stored in.
A spokesperson for Newcastle Fire and Rescue says he expects cleanup efforts will take another 2 to 3 hours.
An exclusion zone of 200 metres has been put in place until further notice.
