A chemical explosion has sparked a large fire at a factory in Melbourne. Photo / ABC News
A chemical explosion has sparked a large fire at a factory in Melbourne. Photo / ABC News
A factory fire emitting toxic smoke is expected to rage for days after tens of thousands of nearby residents were told to stay inside and a major Melbourne freeway shut.
Large metal drums filled with chemicals were thrown into the air from deep within the blaze, posing a danger to the 180 firefighters battling the flames.
An explosion sparked the fire at the chemical factory in Derrimut, west of the CBD, at about 1.20pm today (NZ time) and was brought under control by about 5.30pm.
No injuries have been reported and it is believed everyone inside the building was evacuated safely, Victoria Police said.
Hazardous material and toxins were burning, according to Fire Rescue Victoria, with the Western Freeway closed for several hours near the area for health reasons.
Deputy commissioner Michelle Cowling told reporters at the scene the factory included a warehouse that mixed chemicals and stored drums containing kerosene, fuel, methylated spirits, methanol and others.
The blaze was Melbourne’s most significant in several years and would likely burn for days, she said.
“We’ve got embers burning, fire burning – even with our aerial appliances that are on-site and specialist hazmat people on-site we can’t get in close enough to cool this fire down,” she said.
She said an acrid smell was expected to linger and advised people to stay away from the area over the coming days if possible.
Fire investigators have not yet confirmed how the blaze started but it did not spread to nearby buildings.
One worker died and two were injured in a fire at the same building in October 2023, which was also sparked by an explosion.
Cowling said there was no connection between that explosion and the fire on Wednesday.
The factory is in an industrial park and houses several businesses, with everyone in neighbouring buildings evacuated.
A watch and act alert was issued for residents and workers in several suburbs because of toxic smoke.
“Anyone located in the watch and act warning area should close all windows and doors,” the alert stated.
A significant amount of back smoke is visible around Derrimut and Sunshine West, due to a factory fire. Motorists in the area, including the Western Freeway and M80 Ring Road, should keep their ventilation on recirculate and windows up. #victrafficpic.twitter.com/8G8YJFzAcy
