Crews wearing fully encapsulated chemical suits have been able to plug the leak, but will need to deal with the copious amounts of liquid that have spilled at the site, which could take a significant amount of time.

Crews from Fire and Rescue NSW Station 412 Orange are now responding to assist at the incident in Cudal. Two persons working at the site at the time of the spill occurring have been treated by NSW Ambulance crews for minor breathing difficulties.

At least 15 people have now been evacuated in Cudal, with a further 40 pupils from the nearby school evacuated and moved to the nearby Bowling Club.

The NSW SES is now being responded to provide assistance to on scene crews who are expected to be in attendance for a significant period of time.

Residences and businesses in Main Street, Cudal have been evacuated following a chemical spill on Wednesday afternoon.  

Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Station 380 Molong and Fire & Rescue NSW Station 216 Bathurst, together with the NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Ambulance and NSW Police Force have attended the spill. 

According to Fire and Rescue NSW, a number of residents in the vicinity of Main St have already been evacuated, with more evacuations taking place, including the local preschool.

Firefighters are working in severe weather conditions with lightning, rain and high wind in the area.

A severe weather warning has been issued.

Firefighers are still at work investigating the extent of the spill and are increasing the size of the exclusion zone in the area, which will cause further evacuations.

The spill is believed to involve quite a few thousand litres of sodium hypochlorite and potentially other chemicals.

Residents in the area are urged to avoid the vicinity and to follow instructions from on scene emergency services.

More to come.