- Published:
- Tuesday 29 October 2024 at 1:15 pm
Update 7am: The scene was deemed Under Control at 11pm last night (Tuesday 29 October).
Water and foam has been used to suppress the fire, which has been contained to the building of origin.
Firefighters remain on scene, supported by other emergency services.
Updated community advice has been issued this morning.
Update 4.30pm: Statement attributable to Incident Controller FRV Commander Callum Donoghue:
“This is a challenging firefight, with flames being 10-15 metres high and an extensive amount of smoke issuing from the site, which contains approximately 36,000 cubic metres of cardboard.
“Specialist equipment including an aerial appliance and hazmat unit is being used to respond to the incident, along with several pumper fire trucks.
“Firefighters’ health and safety is the priority.
“Crews are seeking to protect neighbouring buildings and minimize damage to the building that is alight.
“Water runoff has been making its way into the basement of a neighbouring business.Crews have isolated the power to that building and are removing that water currently.
“We notified the EPA, which is on site assisting.
“Crews are also using foam to attack the fire.
“Firefighters are expected to remain on scene throughout the night.”
Update 2.15pm: FRV firefighters continue to battle a fire at a factory in Laverton North, which is not yet under control.
Crews evacuated the factory and neighbouring businesses, with no injuries reported.
Specialist equipment including an aerial appliance and hazmat unit are being used to respond to the incident, along with several pumper fire trucks.
FRV's remote piloted aircraft system (drones) will soon be deployed to provide an aerial view of the scene.
The fuel load is extensive and needs to be broken apart to fully extinguish the blaze.
Ambulance Victoria paramedics are on site to monitor firefighter health and safety. Victoria Police personnel are also on scene.
1.15pm: Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) responded to a structure fire at 12.09pm on Plummer Road, Laverton North after callers to Triple Zero (000) reported a factory fire.
Firefighters arrived on scene within seven minutes to find a cardboard fire at a recycling facility, about 100m by 50m, with smoke and flames issuing.
Crews in breathing apparatus are working to tackle the blaze at the tin structure and conducting an aerial attack on the fire.
A community warning was issued for smoke in the areas of Derrimut, Laverton North, Sunshine West.
Smoke will be visible from nearby roads and the community have been urged to stay away from the area.
The fire was not yet under control as of 1.10pm.
ENDS
More to come.
Updated