'Explosions, black smoke': Huge factory fire rages in West Footscray
An out-of-control blaze is raging at a factory in Melbourne's inner-west, with locals waking to plumes of billowing black smoke and the sound of explosions.
Authorities have issued a 'Watch and Act' warning for residents across much of the western suburbs, urging anyone within 500m of the fire or affected by the smoke plume to shelter indoors.
At least two primary schools – St John's Catholic Primary School in Footscray and St Augustine's Primary School in Yarraville – have closed for the day, while other schools are keeping children indoors.
Initial fears that toxic smoke could affect nearby residents have not yet been confirmed. Tests will be carried out throughout the morning.
Emergency services were called to the blaze near the corner of Somerville Road and Paramount Road in West Footscray just after 5am.
An MFB spokesman said more than 20 fire trucks were on site, and up to 120 firefighters were battling the blaze.
"It's a large building, 100 metres by 200 metres, and it's fully involved in fire," the MFB spokesman said.
"Our priority is to assess what's inside. There were some minor explosions. We are conducting an aerial attack until we find out what's inside."
MFB Acting Deputy Chief Ken Brown told radio station 3AW the owner of the building was at the site, and had given them a description of what was inside.
"What we've managed to glean is there is obviously oxyacetylene and acetone, and other goods we are still trying to identify. It's causing us grief with the explosions, which we are not happy about," he said.
The fire has been categorised as a eighth alarm, which he compared to the same size as the fire at the Coolaroo recycling plant last year.
The Watch and Act message, issued by the MFB, is for suburbs including Altona North, Braybrook, Brooklyn, Footscray, Kingsville, South Kingsville, Spotswood, Sunshine, Tottenham, West Footscray and Yarraville.
Scientific officers and staff from the EPA are expected to carry out tests on Thursday morning to determine the toxicity of the smoke, but Mr Brown said it was not currently posing a risk to those outside the immediate fire.
"There are a number of things that could give the black smoke," he said.
"We will monitor that over the next few hours, and make a determination about evacuation... it depends on what happens with the weather."
One caller to 3AW said the sound was like "rolling thunder with explosions in between".
Brooklyn resident Toby Bell told The Age he woke to the sound of small explosions.
"I woke up to a popping noise. I initially thought it was gunshots or something like that. So I went outside and could see a lot of red haze [in the] sky, so I jumped in the car and followed the noises and they led me right to the factory," he said.
"I then watched up to at least 15 fire trucks race to the location. When I left and went home I could still hear emergency services racing there."
Black plumes of smoke are billowing from the building, and the Metropolitan Fire Brigade has advised those in surrounding suburbs to be aware that "toxic smoke" may impact the area.
"If you are sensitive to smoke or you live with someone who is sensitive to smoke, you should close windows and doors. Turn off heating and cooling systems," the advice warning says.
David McKelson, who owns Pro Dog Daycare on Paramount Road, said he would not be opening on Thursday given the "constant" smoke.
"The smoke is so thick and I was there for about 15 minutes, and you can already hear it in my voice. I closed the business for the day, my concern is that the smoke could be toxic," he said.
The South Kingsville resident said the smoke was also floating over his house.
"The amount of smoke coming out the top of the sheds, I've never seen anything like it. It's been constant since I've been up at 6.30am."
Paramount Road, between Geelong and McDonald roads, has been blocked off.