Warning over runoff, toxic fumes in wake of massive Derrimut factory fire

Residents in Melbourne’s west have been warned to avoid fumes and potentially contaminated runoff after a massive toxic fire was sparked by a chemical blast at a Derrimut factory.

Residents of Melbourne’s west are being warned to steer clear of local waterways as the fallout from Wednesday’s huge Derrimut factory fire continues.

Potentially harmful water used to extinguish the fire at the ACB Group factory, where dangerous chemicals were stored, may have entered Laverton Creek and Cherry Creek, according to Environment Protection Authority West Metro Manager Steve Lansdell.

“The main impact we’re seeing is the fire water in the waterways themselves, so it’s really about just avoiding contact with the waterways, including your pets,” Mr Lansdell said.

“For the moment keep watching the Emergency Management Victoria app to stay close to the advice, we’ll expect to see some of these firewater impacts flowing for days.”

Mr Lansdell said people living near the site of the fire at Swan Drive should also pay attention to any strong smelling water, and monitor for the onset of any sudden headaches.

Wildlife along the waterways appeared to have escaped any immediate catastrophe.

“We haven’t seen any fish deaths or impacts to bird life at the moment which is great news,” Mr Lansdell said.

“What I would say is we’ll be monitoring really closely because often it can take 24-48 hours of this firewater going down that can start to have that impact.”

The EPA also confirmed no ash from the fire had been identified but urged residents to wash away any noticeable ash residue.

“If you do observe any ash residue on your property, wash down impacted surfaces and any fruit and vegetables before eating them,” they said.

Flames and thick smoke from a factory fire in Derrimut. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Authorities were preparing for a lengthy investigation into what caused the fire.

“At this time, there is no indications that the cause of this fire was suspicious,” Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner Community Safety Josh Fischer said.

“It’s too early to give any indication as to what has caused this fire, there’s a number of leads we’re following up.

“This is going to take some time, this isn’t going to be a quick investigation, there’s lots of information we need to work through.”

Twenty firefighters remained at the scene on Friday, along with five vehicles.

Mr Fischer confirmed it could be over a week before fire crews left the site, but said the situation remained under control.

Fire crews mop up after battling a huge factory fire in Derrimut. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Crews used 40,000 litres of foam to suppress the out-of-control blaze. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Smoke from the blaze billows across the western suburbs. Picture: X

Businesses told to cease operation as a result of the explosion were allowed to reopen on a case-by-case basis on Thursday morning.

FRV community safety deputy commissioner Joshua Fischer said progress had been made overnight to fight the fire on the ground and in the air.

Mr Fischer said more than three million litres of water and 40,000 litres of foam was used to suppress the out-of-control blaze.

Now, the efforts of emergency services have turned to containing the runoff.

“We are now currently managing runoff of contaminated water as a result of the firefighting effort and contaminants in the building alongside the EPA,” Mr Fischer said.

“It is a dynamic situation and we are undertaking atmospheric monitoring so we can allow businesses in the area to return to premises on a case by case basis.”

The exact cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

The ACB Group which owned and operated the chemical manufacturing and storage facility has made contact with WorkSafe.

“It is going to take some time to ascertain the exact cause and we also need to gain access to the scene which is an active fire area with lots of contaminants and structural integrity issues of the remaining building,” Mr Fischer said.

For the more than 180 firefighters and other first responders who worked in some of the “most dangerous conditions” imaginable, he offered his heartfelt thanks.

The blast happened at 11.20am on Wednesday. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The blast sparks an enormous blaze. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Chemical explosion causes massive factory blaze

Fire crews responded to calls of a chemical explosion about 11.20am on Wednesday.

Specialist hazmat and scientific advisors were on scene on Wednesday afternoon, along with members from the Environmental Protection Authority.

More than 50 emergency services units on Wednesday afternoon continued to battle the blaze at the Swann Drive address.

Kerosene, fuel, mentholated spirits, paint thinners and ethanol were all part of the toxic cocktail explosion.

Fire Rescue Victoria North West deputy commissioner Michelle Cowling said the remnants of the major explosion would linger in the area for several days and locals should “avoid the area”.

“If you don’t have to come in here, I’d suggest stay away,” Ms Cowling said.

By Wednesday afternoon, emergency services had not received any reports of injuries to staff, to the public or to any emergency services on site.

Ms Cowling confirmed the fire was under control by 4pm on Wednesday but there were “lots of chemicals” still at the site.

“After about four and a half hours of firefighting, Fire Rescue Victoria have been able to bring this fire under control,” she said.

This shot from an EPA Victoria drone over the Derrimut factory fire shows the intensity of the fire. EPA is on scene, advising fire crews. Air quality advice for the public https://t.co/REKgFJwVaa@MelbourneWater@FireRescueVic@CFA_Updatespic.twitter.com/GNDSNlUV1N

— Environment Protection Authority Victoria (@VicGovEPA) July 10, 2024

A large factory fire burns in Derrimut. Picture: Dave Smith

Smoke billows from the blaze in Melbourne’s west.

A community advice warning has been issued for surrounding areas. Picture: Dave Smith

Thick smoke billows from the blaze. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The fire largely destroyed the factory, which will likely require a total rebuild.

Firefighters were able to stop the blaze from affecting neighbouring businesses.

Victoria Police, FRV, the EPA and Worksafe Victoria will all be part of the investigation in the coming days.

Ms Cowling confirmed the owner of the property had spoken with emergency services and would now speak with Worksafe Victoria.

The ACB Group factory has been confirmed as the same factory where a man died following a chemical explosion in October last year.

Ms Cowling said the factory operates as a storage and chemical manufacturer tasked with mixing “certain fuels”.

It is not known if the fallout of the explosion has affected local waterways, with Ms Cowling adding significant work was being done to avoid any seepage.

Southbound traffic affected by the explosion is set to flow again this afternoon.

The Western Fwy was closed in both directions between the M80 Ring Rd and Ballarat Rd.

A statement from the Department of Transport and Planning confirmed roads would be reopened when it was safe to do so, adding Fitzgerald Rd and Robinsons Rd as alternate options.

The community has been urged to avoid the area and if nearby, try to avoid breathing in the smoke.

Thick, black smoke continues to rise above the greater Derrimut area.

Small explosions and intense flames continued throughout the afternoon, even hours after the initial incident.

The strong smell of brining chemicals blanketed the surrounding area.

Commuters near the scene along Fitzgerald Rd were caught in traffic chaos early on Wednesday afternoon.