“Loud explosions”: Fire crews battle factory fire in Dandenong South
Dozens of firefighters are battling to bring a huge blaze under control at a factory filled with smoking paraphernalia in Melbourne’s southeast, with witnesses describing hearing “loud explosions” as the fire took off.
Forty firefighters are battling a huge fire at a cigarette lighter factory in Dandenong South that has sent black smoke billowing over surrounding suburbs, with witnesses reporting hearing “loud explosions” as the blaze took off.
A “stay informed” notice has been issued for parts of Dandenong South as emergency services continue to battle the significant industrial fire on Kimberly Rd.
Dozens of firefighters and 21 Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) vehicles are still on scene battling the blaze on Tuesday afternoon, which was first reported shortly after midday.
Firefighters arrived on scene in six minutes to find a 30m X 60m factory containing lighter products, fully involved in flames.
The business in question is believed to be MRK Distributors who label themselves as “Australia’s biggest Smoking accessory & Giftware wholesaler”.
According to its website the business sells a number of different brands of cigarette lighters, along with numerous other tobacco products.
Fire Rescue Victoria said it was still trying to contain the blaze to the one factory nearly three hours after first arriving on scene.
“Crews are working to fight the flames and keep the fire contained to the factory on Kimberly Road and avoid the spread to a neighbouring factory containing hydraulics,” they said.
“There are a total of 40 firefighters on scene to battle the blaze and to ensure the fire does not spread.”
Multiple other emergency services are on hand as firefighters battle through tough conditions, it said.
“Firefighter welfare is paramount with the current warm weather presenting challenges. CFA, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria are all on scene to assist,” they said.
“This incident is ongoing and not yet under control.”
They said the cause of the fire was “still unknown” at this stage.
Witnesses to the fire described hearing “loud explosions,” while others reported seeing thick smoke billowing from the site as far away as Frankston, highlighting the intensity of the inferno.
The VicEmergency website urged those in the vicinity to remain vigilant and monitor conditions.
“This advice message is being issued for Dandenong South,” the alert stated. “There is a factory fire in Kimberly Road, Dandenong South. Smoke will be visible from nearby roads and communities. This fire is currently not yet under control.”
The notice reassured residents that “There is currently no threat to the community, but you should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.”
The affected area covered by the alert extends as far west as Hammond Rd, stretches east to Eumemmerring Creek, and south down to Bangholme Rd.
More to come.
