Twitter Picture of a factory fire in Altona. Picture:patty_mitchell Source: Supplied
FIRE investigators will return at first light to the scene of a fierce factory fire in Altona North, which caused explosions and flames that could be seen from “a kilometre away”.
Residents in Melbourne’s southwest were last night urged to shut their doors and windows as smoke billowed from the large fire, at a garden supplies factory near the intersection of Pinnacle Rd and Ives Rd in Altona North.
Crews were called to the blaze about 7.45pm and found the factory fully alight when they arrived.
MFB spokesman Keith Robinson said took about 80 firefighters more than an hour and a half to control the fire.
While the cause was not immediately clear, Mr Robinson said the damage bill for the factory — which was believed to contain fertiliser ingredients — would top $1 million.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Ken Brown said the fire had been intense and difficult to fight.
He said explosions were coming from the blaze when firefighters first arrived.
“The fire was very fierce,” he told 3AW.
“Smoke could be seen travelling over the top of the West Gate Bridge and, probably a kilometre away, some flames.”
Fire authorities issued a watch and act warning for residents in Yarraville, Brooklyn, Braybrook and several other surrounding suburbs at 10.30pm.
Factory fire in Altona saw smoke spread across the skyline. Picture: BenjaminMillar Source: Supplied
Plumes of smoke clouded the sky, with residents urged to shelter inside as the smoke travelled in a south-westerly direction.
Two nursing homes were also in the affected area.
Fire investigators will this morning work to establish a cause.
No one was injured in the blaze but the building suffered severe structural damage.
Firefighters remained at the scene overnight to continue mopping up the blaze.
samantha.landy@news.com.au
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