Fire crews battle Coolaroo recycling factory blaze

A FACTORY where a third of Melbourne’s waste is processed has gone up in flames for the second time in three months after plastic pallets caught fire.

Emergency services were called to a factory fire at a recycling plant in Maffra Street. Picture: David Crosling

A FACTORY where one third of Melbourne’s waste is processed has gone up in flames after plastic pallets caught fire- for the second time in three months.

Up to 65 firefighters battled the blaze at the Maffra St factory in Coolaroo, about 19km north of Melbourne’s CBD, after plastic pallets lying against a factory wall caught fire.

A MFB spokesman said crews arrived on the scene roughly after 7pm and took 33 minutes to control the flames.

Police closed off the surrounding areas as emergency crews issued a community warning for local residents to avoid the Maffra St area and to stay indoors with windows and doors closed.

Fire crews used a breathing apparatus to enter the building. Ambulance officers were on the scene but did not treat anyone.

The fire has since been deemed not suspicious.

Originally published as Fire crews battle Coolaroo recycling factory blaze