Firefighter in hospital, emergency declaration revoked after 17 crews battled Kedron blaze

A firefighter is in hospital following a huge blaze in Brisbane’s north that saw police make an emergency declaration.

Police made an emergency declaration as firefighters battle the blaze. Picture: Charlotte Tilley

A firefighter is in hospital following a huge industrial blaze in Brisbane’s north that saw police make an emergency declaration, which was in place for several hours.

Emergency services rushed to the building at Kedron just after 4pm Thursday, with smoke seen for kilometres.

One firefighter was taken to hospital. Picture: Queensland Ambulance Service

An emergency declaration was made about 4.30pm, with an exclusion zone in place including Gympie Road, Childers Street, Bristol Road and Kate Street.

The declaration was revoked at 8.20pm and police declared the fire a crime scene.

“A crime scene has since been declared at a Boothby Street address, with investigations into the cause of the fire now ongoing,” a spokesman said.

“Police would like to thank the public for their cooperation,” he said.

A QFES spokesman said at one point there were seventeen fire crews using foam and water to attack the flames from both sides.

One firefighter was taken to hospital at 6.15pm from heat exhaustion.

The smoke could be seen for kilometres. Picture: Queensland Fire Department

The fire began at a commercial site and later spread to three industrial sheds nearby.

As of 6.40pm, one southbound lane of Gympie Rd remained closed, after police earlier reported that the entire road had been closed.

“Police are urging members of the public and motorists to avoid the area and drive to conditions, as emergency services respond,” the emergency declaration had said.

“Smoke is affecting the area and residents are reminded to close their windows and doors and keep any required respiratory medication close by if required.”

Crews on scene. Picture: Queensland Fire Department

A Queensland Fire spokesman earlier said seven crews were at the scene with paramedics and police on standby.

“The shed is 10m by 15m,” a spokesman said not long after the blaze broke out.

“Crews are working to extinguish the fire and all occupants are safely out of the building.

“Smoke is affecting the area near the intersection of Gympie Rd and Boothby St.

Nearby residents have described the sky as filled with “thick, black smoke”.

A Queensland Police spokesman had earlier urged to obey traffic directions, avoid the area where possible and seek alternative routes.

Police made an emergency declaration as firefighters battle the blaze. Picture: Charlotte Tilley