Lilydale fire: Huge blaze at Beresford Road factory

Smoke and flames were seen billowing over the outer east as CFA crews rushed to a factory fire and reports of multiple explosions in Lilydale.

The factory fire in Beresford Rd Lilydale. Photo: Lilydale CFA

A Lilydale factory has been damaged in a huge blaze that sent smoke billowing over the outer east.

A CFA spokesperson said firefighters were called to reports of a fire and multiple explosions in Beresford Rd at 7.55pm Tuesday.

“Upon arrival, firefighters found a tilt slab factory involved in fire,” the spokesperson said.

“The fire was brought under control by 8.20pm, but firefighters remained on scene blacking out until about 11pm.”

In a Facebook post, the Lilydale CFA brigade said there was a large amount of smoke and flames coming from the factory when the first appliances responded.

Firefighters at the scene. Photo: Lilydale CFA

Firefighters remained at the scene for several hours. Photo: Lilydale CFA

Smoke was seen from some distance away. Photo: Lilydale CFA

The post said the factory was a mechanical workshop containing a number of cars and associated equipment, including highly flammable goods.

The brigade said teams worked hard to contain the fire to the initial factory as it had the potential to spread to adjoining businesses.

Seven CFA fire trucks and volunteer firefighters from Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Coldstream, Yellingbo, Chirnside Park and Mount Evelyn fire brigades responded to the incident, supported by the Yellingbo rehab van and Bayswater breathing apparatus van and other support vehicles and crews.

Thirteen firefighters wore breathing apparatus during the fire fight.

“Yarra Ranges Council’s building surveyor attended as the tilt slab walls had been severely compromised by the intense heat of the fire,” the Lilydale brigade said.

“A Work Safe Victoria inspector will also attend today (Wednesday).

Ambulance Victoria also attended the scene to provide support to firefighters.