Major factory fire causes ongoing explosions in Campbellfield

A huge factory blaze in Melbourne’s north is under control after more than 80 firefighters attended to ‘major explosions’, but is not yet extinguished. Fire investigators have returned to a factory, where the blaze is expected to continue for a number of days.

Smoke billowing from the factory fire in Campbellfield yesterday. Picture: Twitter

Fire investigators have returned to a factory this morning following a huge fire which caused explosions in Melbourne’s north overnight.

Residents in Melbourne’s north were last night urged to take shelter indoors following a fire on Colbert Rd in Campbellfield shortly after 8pm on Saturday night.

MFB spokesman Rod East said it was believed the building contained recycled batteries and machinery.

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CAMPBELLFIELD: A major factory fire caused ongoing explosions in Campbellfield last night. The factory contained recycled batteries and machinery. Fire investigators due to arrive soon. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/A5SLCyt3a3

— Brianna Travers (@briannatravers) January 20, 2019

The factory fire at Colbert Road Campbellfield between Berwick Rd and Barry Rd has been contained. Picture: Sarah Matray

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Picture: Sarah Matray

A huge plume of smoke was visible in the area at sunset, with more than 80 firefighters fighting to bring the blaze under control.

Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Paul Foster said there the fire was under control but still not out.

“We have to get under the fallen roof, the walled walls and existing hot spots,” he said.

“It will continue for a number of days.

“Due to the size of the fire, very intense, very large, the roof collapses in on the fire.

“We are waiting to get some heavy earth moving equipment in there to pull the walls out.”

The single storey factory has brick veneer and tin walls with a tin roof.

Officer Foster said there were a number of explosions caused by batteries.

“(There were) a number of explosions,” he said.

“This one had a large number of major explosions which made the job more hazardous.”

A neighbouring business was threatened briefly by an explosion which landed on its roof however the MFB were able to protect the property from major damage.

CAMPBELLFIELD: More than 80 firefighters worked overnight to get factory fire under control. Used batteries caused explosions which spread to property next door’s roof. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/TIGhQwCmOT

— Brianna Travers (@briannatravers) January 20, 2019

More than 80 firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control. Picture: Sarah Matray

Victoria Police said the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

A Watch and Act alert was issued shortly after 10pm, urging residents in Campbellfield, Craigieburn, Epping, Lalor, Mickleham, Roxburgh Park, Somerton, Thomastown and Wollert to shelter indoors and keep out of the smoke.

This was downgraded to an advice message around 4am Sunday.

Police, emergency services and power and gas utilities were at the scene. Additionally the EPA are on scene this morning.

An MFB brief said the fire would be a protracted incident, with over 25 attending appliances including hazmat and aerial units.

An adjacent factory was also at risk and fire crews stopped the fire from spreading.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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