Toxic smoke warning after suspicious shed fire at Park Ridge, Logan
Residents in three suburbs just south of Brisbane have reported experiencing “putrid fumes” as they’re told to stay indoors after a massive industrial fire sent a thick plume of toxic smoke billowing over Logan.
Police & Courts
Don't miss out on the headlines from Police & Courts. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Police are investigating a suspicious shed fire at Park Ridge, Logan, which occurred late Thursday night.
At 11.30pm, emergency services were called to a property on Koplick Road where a shed was well alight.
The shed contains thousands of tyres, a caravan and drums of oil and grease. Residents have spoken of being woken by the sound of explosions.
People in Park Ridge, Marsden and Crestmead are being advised to stay indoors and close windows, while air quality levels are monitored following a large industrial fire near Logan.
The fire created a thick plume of toxic smoke which is moving towards East Beaumont Road.
A resident from Executive Drive in Park Ridge reported that the “putrid” fumes have surrounded the area with tyre fires on Koplick Road.
The resident said the problem has escalated and she has warned Park Ridge High School that it was heading their way.
QFES Inspector Mark Burchard said there had been about 50 firefighters battling the warehouse blaze at the height of the fire, which is now under control.
“Currently we have the fire contained to the structure and surrounding area,” Inspector Burchard said.
“Crews are commencing damp down.
“(We had) 14 appliances, which is around the 50 mark of firefighters.
“Unfortunately due to the nature of the product, lots of tyres and stuff, it will create a lot of smoke and will keep smoking for some time.”
Inspector Burchard expected heavy excavation machinery would arrive at the site about 9am today to begin to pull the smoking structure apart.
He said after that, crews will have a better understanding of how to fully stop the building’s remains smouldering.
Crews are using hydrants from the front of a nearby school, with Inspector Burchard urging parents at drop off time to be mindful of potential delays for families.
He asked nearby residents to close doors and windows if they were anxious about the smell of the smoke, however said there is no safety risk to the greater community.
The night firefighting crew are expected to be replaced shortly by those on morning shift.
“The day crew will come through, so for most of the morning (we’ll) probably still (have) eight appliances on site,” Insp Burchard said.
He expected the smoke plumes to continue for most of the day.
Park Ridge residents in the vicinity of Koplick Rd are advised to stay indoors and close windows due to toxic smoke from a shed fire. Emergency crews are on scene and diversions are in place. pic.twitter.com/DWYSm5JzZB
— Queensland Police (@QldPolice) March 18, 2021
“There were unfortunately a number of tyres in the shed, around the shed, outside of the shed,” Insp Burchard said.
Residents of the area, particularly those living in Beaumont Estate have been advised to stay indoors and close windows while air quality levels are monitored.
“Those suffering from a respiratory condition should keep their medications close by,” a
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services statement read.
“Motorists should drive with caution and to conditions.”
A Queensland Police spokeswoman said a crime scene had been declared, but investigations could take some time as they would have to wait until the structure was safe to enter.
Apprentice threw stake at old woman, broke man’s spine in vile attacks
A Sunshine Coast apprentice has been sentenced for attacks that included eye gouging, leaving a Toowoomba man with a fractured spine and throwing a wooden stake at a woman.
Award-winning DJ with 200k followers faces criminal charge
A Qld musician who has played to major festivals and crowds and claimed he was “partially paralysed” by the Covid vaccine, has been charged following an alleged break-in.