Laverton North industrial fire: burning pile of recycled metal at waste management facility

Smoke blanketed the city’s west this evening after a fire broke out at a waste management plant in Laverton North.

Firefighters tackling the pile of burning waste. Picture: Uniform Photography

An industrial fire at a Laverton North waste management site sent smoke billowing across Melbourne’s west on Monday night.

The blaze broke out at Norstar Steel Recyclers in Doherty’s Rd about 6pm.

The fire engulfed a 50m by 50m pile of recycled metal waste.

Fire!! I can hear the sirens. #Laverton pic.twitter.com/o4LQhHicbv

— Daniel Eade (@DanielEade) January 11, 2021

Thick smoke was visible above the facility and was drifting in a south-easterly direction.

People in Dohertys Road, Fitzgerald Road, Federation Trail and Maria Streets were warned to take shelter indoors immediately.

Those who were away from their home were told not to return.

EPA is aware of a fire at Norstar Steel Recyclers, Doherty's Road, Laverton North, and has deployed expert staff to provide technical advice to firefighters. @FireRescueVic

— EPA Victoria (@EPA_Victoria) January 11, 2021

A watch and act message was issued at 6.48pm for residents in Laverton North and Laverton. That warning was later updated to include Sunshine West, Brooklyn and Derrimut.

About 70 firefighters were at the scene and were expected to stay there until late on Monday.

Anyone exposed to smoke was advised to seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.

People experiencing wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing were urged to call triple-0.

EPA and WorkSafe were investigating.

[e-mail]