At one stage the blaze at the old munitions factory site in Maribyrnong was burning out of control.
Photo: Evan JefferyA blaze at an old munitions factory site in the city's inner west has been brought under control by firefighters.
The fire broke out in grasslands on Cordite Avenue just before 1pm on Wednesday and quickly spread to engulf three warehouse buildings.
Thick black smoke could be seen billowing above the factory site.
Dozens of firefighters brought the fire under control just before 4.30pm and 17 fire trucks remain on scene.
Earlier, firefighters battled the blaze externally as they awaited advice from the Department of Defence, which owns the land, before beginning an internal attack on the fire.
The Age has previously reported the defence land is heavily contaminated with explosive residues, asbestos and volatile solvents in its soils.
A Senate budget hearing last year investigated the sale of defence land on the Maribyrnong River and revealed the government could sell much of the highly toxic property without decontaminating it first.
People were warned to stay away from the area due to the smoke and need for emergency services to access the site.
Photo: Evan JefferyAn MFB spokeswoman said it was too early to determine the level of toxicity in the smoke.
Elvis the water chopper had been deployed and 25 MFB fire appliances, including a water tanker and pumper, were at the scene.
Due to the smoke and emergency services vehicles in the vicinity, people were urged to avoid the area.
Another large, out-of-control fire is also burning at a recycling plant on Fitzgerald Road in Laverton North.
MFB and CFA crews were called to the blaze about 2pm.
About 50 MFB and CFA firefighters are at the scene battling the blaze.
The fire has engulfed a 12,000-cubic metre pile of rubber and plastic.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
More to come.
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