EThekwini fire fighters were called out to the factory, Paintchem, along Estuary Drive at around 9.25pm last night.
Security guards alerted emergency officials after they heard a loud explosion inside the factory.
"On approaching from Verulam, we could see that the sky had been lit up by this huge factory fire, which had gone through the roof," said Jesse Yasudas, from eThekwini Fire and Disaster Management.
He said firefighters worked for nearly five hours to put out the inferno, which had been burning through a double storey warehouse at the company.
Luckily, no one was hurt in the blaze.
"There were a series of explosions from the product that was stored in closed containers inside the premises. We used four fire trucks, three water tankers and other specialist vehicles with a hydraulic platform ... we attacked the fire from the air as well as used ground lines."
Yasudas says their efforts to tackle the blaze prevented the fire from spreading to others parts of the factory and neighbouring buildings.
Firefighters are still busy damping down the scene.
According to Paintchem's website, the company manufactures paints for the automotive, industrial and woodfinish market as well as additional products for these industries.
Meanwhile, Reaction Unit SA says it was also called to the scene by its security guards.
Spokesperson Prem Balram says they helped evacuate residents living nearby to an industrial park temporarily, due to concerns that the smoke may be hazardous.
He says a number of factories adjoining Paintchem have also been closed as a precaution.
Balram says although it's still unclear what caused the fire, officials suspect foul play.
"It is believed that something was thrown into the factory that caused the thinners and paint to ignite and burnt the factory extensively," he said.
- East Coast Radio
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