Fireys battle tyre, compost blaze at AJK Contracting Mackay

Thick plumes of black smoke could be seen from across Mackay after a fire broke out at an industrial compound backing onto the Pioneer River. DETAILS, PHOTOS

Emergency crews worked to control a fire at AJK Contracting in Mackay on Monday, November 20, 2023. Picture: Heidi Petith

Thick plumes of black smoke could be seen from across Mackay after a fire broke out in Foulden at a fertiliser compound.

Two Queensland Fire and Emergency Service crews responded to the incident just before 12.30pm, which occurred along Talty Rd, off Glenella Connection Rd.

A QFES spokesman said the fire was a mix of mulch and tyres, burning an area of about 30m by 40m.

As of 1.10pm crews were still on scene working to bring the blaze under control.

Emergency crews worked to control a fire at AJK Contracting in Mackay on Monday, November 20, 2023. Picture: Heidi Petith

Emergency crews worked to control a fire at AJK Contracting in Mackay on Monday, November 20, 2023. Picture: Heidi Petith

He said managers were also on site using heavy machinery to help control the blaze, and no structures were under immediate threat.

The fire was burning on the grounds of AJK Contracting, where it appeared business operations hadn’t halted, with vehicles coming and going, as well as a forklift in use.

Due to the mix of burnt rubber and decomposing organic materials, the smoke from the fire is carrying a potent and rotten stench, which can be smelt from the Mackay Base Hospital on the opposite side of the Pioneer River.

Numerous motorists had pulled over to look at the blaze.