Crews battle huge tyre fire at Broadmeadows

UPDATE: A MASSIVE tyre fire burning in Melbourne’s west for more than 24 hours, which spewed toxic black smoke across the city, is now under control.

Firefighters battle he blaze from behind the factory in Broadmeadows where tyres are alight.Picture: Ian Currie

A MASSIVE tyre fire burning in Melbourne’s west for more than 24 hours is now under control.

The fire in a pile of dumped tyres at a Broadmeadows recycling plant started about 9am on Monday.

It spewed toxic black smoke over several surrounding suburbs in a plume that was visible for 75 kilometres

The cloud of smoke could be seen as far away as Rye on the Mornington Peninsula.

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade says the fire is now under control.

The junk yard fire burned through about 70 per cent of the pile; the equivalent of almost 150,000 tyres.

More than 70 firefighters, from the MFB, CFA and Melbourne Airport, battled through the night and made significant progress in dousing the blaze.

There were concerns smoke from the fire posed a toxic risk for the community, but Assistant Chief Fire Officer Peter Thomas said pollution levels were low.

“The fire’s fairly much contained and there’s not much smoke being generated at all,” he said.

Mr Thomas said fire investigation crews would return to the scene today to determine the cause of the fire.

Maygar Boulevard and Park Street are partially closed.

People in Melbourne’s north were warned to stay ­indoors and shut windows.

Residents with pre-existing health conditions were urged to take extra care and seek medical attention if required.

25 firefighters are battling the blaze. Picture: Ian Currie

Elise the Helitac drops a load of foam on the fire. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Bomber drops retardant on the #broadmeadows tyre factory. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/vqF6BQMXg6

— Monique Hore (@moniquehore) January 11, 2016

What a massive impact the smoke from the #Broadmeadows #Fire is having on #Melbourne This view from @Eureka_Skydeck pic.twitter.com/2EL5NeLesv

— Heraldsunphoto (@heraldsunphoto) January 10, 2016

The firefighters were helped by a water bomber which dropped 9000 litres in each load on to the raging fire.

Residents in Meadow Heights, Jacana, Glenroy, Fawkner, Dallas, Coolaroo, Campbellfield and Broadmeadows were warned they could be affected and told to close their doors and windows and not use reverse-cycle airconditioning units.

Short-term side effects of smoke exposure include itchy eyes, sore throats, runny noses and coughing.

MFB deputy chief officer David Youssef said the fire measured 100m by 30m.

“There is a lot of rubber there and a lot of fuel to burn so it is quite challenging for firefighters,” he said.

A smoke warning has been issued for surrounding suburbs. Picture: Ian Currie

“Tyres fire are very difficult to extinguish and they can often burn for more than a day.

“That is why we are pulling out all the stops to try and bring this fire under control.

“It is pretty unusual for us to use firefighting aircraft for fires in residential areas.

“The fire is contained but it is going to take some time to bring it under control.”

Storm conditions later in the day hindered the firefighting efforts of crews, with air support withdrawn due to high winds.

The MFB is also working with the Environment Protection Authority to monitor the impact the smoke is having on air quality in the area.

Tyres burning at a tyre factory in Broadmeadows. Picture: Nicole Garmston