Western suburbs smoke warning downgraded after tip fire

A tip fire that was spewing smoke across Melbourne’s west on a sweltering day has been deemed safe.

A high alert warning for seventeen suburbs in Melbourne’s west has been downgraded after a fire broke out at a waste management facility.

More than 70 firefighters attended the scene after the blaze broke out on a pile of waste material on Old Geelong Rd in Brooklyn at 5.40am.

Crews on 10 fire trucks fought the blaze, which was brought under control at 6.20am.

Residents and workers have been advised to open windows and doors to ventilate their home or workplace.

Emergency Services will remain in the area until 7pm.

A smoke warning had been issued for Altona, Altona Meadows, Altona North, Brooklyn, Laverton North, Seaholme, Williamstown, Williamstown North, Altona Gate, Laverton, Altona East, Seabrook, Newport, South Kingsville, Tottenham, Point Cook and Sunshine West.

The tip fire started at 5.40am. Picture: Twitter/@reid_butler9

More than 70 firefighters bring the blaze under control. Picture: David Crosling

Police keep traffic at bay. Picture: David Crosling

“There is a fire at a waste management facility in Old Geelong Road, Brooklyn,” a warning issued says.

“Smoke will be visible from nearby roads and communities.

“The wind is currently blowing the smoke in a southerly direction from the fire, towards Altona North and surrounding suburbs.

“There is currently no threat to the community, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.”

Crews on the scene said water supply was an issue and firefighters had to walk to source it.

“This is expected to be a protracted incident and crews will remain on scene to ensure it is safe,” a Fire Rescue Victoria spokeswoman said.

The fire broke out as the state was preparing for scorching hot temperatures with fire bans across much of Victoria.

At 6am, the temperature was 29C in metropolitan Melbourne.