Huge blaze engulfs Altona North waste transfer station

Fire crews battled a monster blaze at a waste transfer station in Altona North late on Wednesday night, black smoke billowing into surrounding areas.

More than 75 firefighters fought the Altona North blaze. Picture: Josie Hayden

A fire that broke out at a waste transfer station in Melbourne’s west continued to smoulder this morning.

Black smoke could be seen coming from the roof of a large shed at the Baldwin Rd business.

More than 75 officers were involved in the fire fight. Picture: Uniform Photography

Plumes of smoke from the site spread across Altona North and surrounding suburbs. Picture Josh Fagan

Firefighters at the scene on Thursday morning. Picture: David Crosling

The fire was still smouldering on Thursday morning. Picture: David Crosling

What caused the fire will be investigated. Picture: David Crosling

Baldwin Rd, in a busy industrial area, remained closed to the public this morning.

It is not yet clear how the fire started.

Fire crews were called to the blaze at 7pm on Wednesday at the facility, 16km west of Melbourne CBD.

The huge fire billowed smoke into surrounding suburbs.

More than 75 firefighters tackled the blaze.

Crews from Fire Rescue Victoria — the state’s new fire service that came into effect on Wednesday — were using aerial appliances to tackle the blaze.

The aftermath. Picture: Fire Rescue Victoria

Plumes of smoke from the site spread across Altona North, Altona and Seaholme.

A warning was in place for the surrounding area that smoke may linger for some time.

Anyone sensitive to smoke was advised to close windows and stay indoors.

Environment Protection Authority Victoria was assessing environmental impacts.

CFA firefighters, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria, and the Victoria State Emergency Service were also called in.

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