Factory fire sends smoke across Melbourne, intensifies fears about ageing firefighting fleet
“This was a serious 4th alarm incident, with the factory housing lithium batteries, and the fact that equipment deployed was faulty and not able to perform is a disgrace.”
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The union says 42 per cent of FRV trucks are past their 15-year use-by date and claims more than 530 truck faults were recorded over the past 18 months.
In a statement, FRV said an inaccessible laneway and concerns of a partial structural collapse also hindered the initial response to Thursday’s fire.
Residents of Cheltenham, Highett, Moorabbin and Moorabbin East were warned about the smoke in an updated advice message at 12.16pm. However, it said there was no threat to the community and the fire had been contained.
FRV said the razed Cheltenham factories contained an array of items, including solar panels and lithium-ion batteries. Those inside the factory had already evacuated once firefighters arrived.
“Surrounding businesses are likely to remain closed for the day due to danger of smoke, depending on proximity,” the agency said.
The Environment Protection Authority said it was called to the fire to provide technical assistance. “Concerns include smoke and possible firewater run-off,” the EPA said on social media.
Chesterville Road and Keys Road were closed because of the blaze.
Separately, an updated emergency warning was issued for a bushfire on the western edge of the Grampians shortly after midday Thursday.
Residents of Mooralla and Woohlpooer have been told to leave immediately as the fire – about 18 kilometres north-east of Cavendish near Rocklands Reservoir – threatens farmland.
“There was a significant increase in fire activity overnight that caused the fire to spread in multiple directions,” the alert said.
“The fire activity has temporarily subsided but is still expected to impact private land on the western edge at various points between Hoffmans Road and Billywing Road.”
The regional hub of Horsham was also included in an updated community information notice that warned residents to limit smoke exposure as the nearby Grampians and Little Desert fires continued to burn.
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