Emergency services rush to huge fire in Anakie

Witnesses have reacted with shock and awe to an industrial blaze near a chicken farm that caused loud explosions and is expected to burn all night.

A massive fire burns out of control at Anakie. Photo: Ryan Bourke.

Witnesses have reacted with shock and awe to an industrial blaze in Anakie that is expected to burn all night.

Residents near the large inferno, about 25 minutes from Geelong, have been told to take shelter as the raging fire burned out of control on Tuesday evening.

Emergency services rushed to a large shed on the Geelong-Ballan Rd, near Pringles Rd, at about 6.20pm on Tuesday.

As of 9pm, more than 37 fire trucks and 100 firefighters remain at the scene alongside police and paramedics.

The 100 metre by 40 metre structure was engulfed by flames exceeding at least 4.5 metres in height.

Stunned onlookers reported seeing large explosions believed to have been caused by flammable liquids and gas cylinders inside.

It’s understood the fire started near a broiler farm, however no animals have been harmed.

There has been no reported injuries as of 9pm.

A Country Fire Authority spokesman said the fire would be “burning all night” and not be put out by crews due to hazmat concerns.

A huge explosion can be seen during a fire at a large industrial shed in Anakie, about 25 minutes from Geelong. Photo: Supplied.

“They will let it burn out,” he said.

“Crews will be on site until the morning.”

An investigation into what sparked the inferno is expected to commence on Wednesday.

Anakie resident Chloe Posterino, 19, was on her way home when she saw the flames.

“I was like oh my God,” she said.

“My cousins a firefighter so he gave me a heads up, it’s absolutely crazy.”

Another witness said the blaze appeared to be burning “at the old chicken farm.”

Ms Posterino said she heard “gas bottles” and “ammunition exploding”.

“They’ve put out a warning saying the smokes toxic and to close vents,” she continued.

“Lucky the smokes blowing the other way otherwise I wouldn’t be here”.

At least two structures had collapsed as of 7.30pm, as winds continued to push the smoke south of the property.

The structure caught fire on Tuesday evening at Anakie. Photo: Ryan Bourke.

CFA has a current warning for anyone between Carrs Rd and Creek Rd, advising them to shelter indoors.

A statement said dangerous smoke was blowing over Church Lane and Staceys Rd with a “Watch and Act” alert in place.

Residents have been told to close exterior doors and windows, bring pets indoors and keep roads clear so emergency services can respond.

Bystanders stopped to capture incredible footage with large explosions coming from the fire.

It comes just hours after another shed burst into flames on a rural property in Portarlington.

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Originally published as Emergency services rush to huge fire in Anakie