Furniture factory fire smothers Brunswick in smoke, EPA Victoria monitoring air quality

Air and water quality is being monitored in Brunswick after a furniture factory fire caused thick smoke to blanket the suburb. Terrified neighbours were forced to flee, while surrounding residents have been warned to keep their doors and windows shut.

A factory fire in Brunswick has blanketed the area in smoke. Picture: David Crosling

Residents in Brunswick have been urged to stay indoors as a massive factory burns out of control.

More than a dozen firefighter units attended the Tinning St, Brunswick scene where a furniture factory went up in flames about 3.30am.

Nearby residents were evacuated from the area and three people inside the factory assessed by paramedics.

FACTORY FIRE: @FireRescueVic crews are battling a major factory fire in Brunswick. A 'Watch & Act' community warning has been issued for area. @10NewsFirstMelb pic.twitter.com/da4o9DW9nc

— James Bird (@JamesBirdTEN) October 12, 2020

Residents around this Brunswick factory fire are being advised to stay inside due to smoke. One nearby resident believes it’s a vacant warehouse. pic.twitter.com/o3GPSsdnPo

— Paul Dowsley (@paul_dowsley) October 12, 2020

The fire was contained and declared under control at 7.20am.

Heavy smoke has been an issue in the area, with smoke being blown towards Sydney Road.

EPA Victoria has sent officers to the scene to support Fire Rescue Victoria.

Water and air quality is being monitored.

A Watch and Act warning is in place for Brunswick and urges residents to close their doors and windows and stay inside to avoid inhaling smoke.

People are also urged to stay away from the area as firefighters fight the flames.

A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesman said: “Several calls were received by triple-0 call takers for smoke in the area and Fire Rescue Victoria crews arrived quickly to find a fire in the rear of a furniture factory.

Locals have been urged to keep their doors and windows shut. Picture: David Crosling

A paramedic treats a firefighters at the scene. Picture: David Crosling

“FRV crews had difficulty accessing the factory which was storing timber on the first and second floors.

“FRV escalated the response with two aerial appliances required and were attacking the fire on three sides of the factory.”

“Power and Gas Companies were also on scene to assist with isolating their services.”

Tinning St is currently closed and traffic in the area will be affected throughout the morning.