Factory fire at SKM Recycling plant in Coolaroo

LATEST: MELBOURNE’S recycling services will be affected after a huge fire destroyed the plant that receives more than one third of the city’s waste.

MELBOURNE’S recycling services will be affected after a huge fire destroyed the plant that receives more than one third of the city’s waste.

Local residents were warned to stay indoors and 100 workers were evacuated as more than 130 firefighters battled the blaze at the SKM Recycling plant in Coolaroo.

At one stage an explosion forced fire crews to get out of the building.

The huge fire, that caused a smoke haze to sweep across Melbourne, has now been brought under control.

Waste from the facility will be sent to a plant in Geelong.

Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group chief executive Robert Millard said 14 councils in Melbourne send recycling to SKM Coolaroo including Boroondara, Cardinia, Glen Eira, Hobson Bay, Hume, Casey, Brimbank, Melbourne City and Wyndham.

“SKM will be able to access the impacts of the fire once the MFB has finished at the site and will provide more information on any long term impacts at that time,” Mr Millard said.

Firefighters tackling the blaze. Picture: Hamish Blair

The smoke billows across the city. Picture: Hamish Blair

More than 100 firefighters have been called in for the fight. Picture: Hamish Blair

Residents of Coolaroo were told to stay indoors. Picture: Hamish Blair

The fire started at 3.30am. Picture: Hamish Blair

Some residents nearby have reported smoke-related symptoms. Picture: Hamish Blair

The smoke has reduced visibility to the city from the northern suburbs. Picture: Hamish Blair

The damage inside the factory is significant. Picture: MFB Media

The fire is now under control. Picture: Hamish Blair

Firefighters battle the huge fire. Picture: Hamish Blair

More than 100 firefighters are on scene. Picture: Hamish Blair

About 100 workers were evacuated from the factory. Picture: Hamish Blair

Earlier this morning as the fire raged, thick black smoke and billowed across the city and was visible from as far as Hoppers Crossing, the Melbourne CBD and Brighton.

A Watch and Act message in place for nearby suburbs has now been downgraded and residents have been told they can now open doors and windows.

The fire began in machinery about 3.30am and spread throughout the 100m x 100m plant.

The MFB says firefighting efforts made a significant impact on the spread of the fire and smoke has begun to dissipate.

Crews used foam to attempt to smother the fire, which is burning through dense recycling materials that are processed at the plant.

Drones will be used to assess the damage.

Police say the fire is not being treated as suspicious at this stage, but it will be easier to determine the cause once the fire is out.

A caller to 3AW who works nearby said earlier this morning the smoke in the area was terrible.

“My eyes are so sore and my throat,” he said.

“Thick, thick black smoke. It is horrendous.”

Dozens of firefighters are battling the blaze. Picture: Hamish Blair

Fire investigators will examine the cause of the blaze. Picture: Hamish Blair

Workers near the scene of the fire. Picture: Hamish Blair

A little smoke on the way into #Melbourne #Australia this morning. Factory #fire in Coolaroo sending billowing black smoke into the air. pic.twitter.com/Fk0gdmlTnO

— Mathew Cagney (@MathewCagney) February 27, 2017

Listener John has sent a pic of the smoke as viewed from his St Kilda balcony ... pic.twitter.com/Es9upnnw96

— 3AW Breakfast (@RossAndJohn) February 27, 2017

Ambulance Victoria State Health Commander Paul Holman said paramedics treated a man in his 30s for breathing problems.

“He was treated by paramedics and he improved,” Mr Holman said.

“The man wasn’t taken to hospital.”

Paramedics have now downgraded health warnings in the area and members of the community can now return to normal activities.

A second factory burst into flames in Melbourne’s north on Tuesday afternoon, just a few streets away from SKM.

MFB crews were called the Visy Australia Industries factory, which erupted in flames and took 130 firefighters to bring under control.

A team of 16 fire fighters were called to Reo Cres and Fodden Ave after reports of a fire about 2pm.

The fire was brought under control in 20 minutes.

Nobody was injured and the fire is not believed to be connected to the SKM Recycling fire.

The Department of Health said people should take simple steps to avoid smoke and protect their health.

— Avoid breathing smoke by staying inside with the windows and doors closed.

— People with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, including asthmatics, should take their medication, follow their treatment plan and seek immediate medical advice if symptoms such as breathing issues, wheezing or tightness in the chest persist.