Businesses in Melbourne’s west forced to remain closed following large chemical explosion

Businesses close to the scene of a large factory fire inside a chemical facility will remain closed amid warnings they could be exposed to toxic smoke.

Businesses near the scene of a massive factory fire in Melbourne’s west will not be able to return to their factories amid concerns they could be exposed to wastewater and toxic smoke.

Fire and Rescue Victoria (FRV) confirmed 180 firefighters and 66 appliances responded to the fire in Derrimut after a “large chemical explosion” occurred on Swann St about 11.20 on Wednesday morning.

The fire has now been brought under control, which was caused by kerosene, fuel, mentholated spirits, paint thinners and ethanol.

Fire crews are expected to remain at the scene for several days to ensure all smouldering embers are put out.

In a statement on Wednesday evening, FRV said businesses in Swann Circuit and Bliss Court will remained closed, with further advice to be provided on Thursday morning.

It comes as firewater has entered Cherry Creek, Anderson’s Swamp and Kayes Drain, with locals and their pets told to avoid contact with the water.

Fire Rescue Victoria deputy commissioner Michelle Cowling said embers, liquid fuel and the scale of the fire and warehouse were a challenge for crews who are working to bring the “aggressive fire attack” under control.

Crews are expected to work for several days to bring the blaze under control. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Nearly 200 firefighters responded to the fire. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

“We estimate we’re going to be here a couple of days because of the fuel load in this factory,” she said.

“We can’t get in close enough to cool this fire down. It will have to be pulled apart.”

Ms Crowling said there are 44 gallon drums containing multiple types of fuel within the factory, which are exploding, launching into the air and landing outside the fire perimeter.

Ms Crowling said the fire is the first to have reached a seventh alarm level since the agency was first created four years ago.

She confirmed the blaze has now been brought under control and an investigation into the fire will be conducted by Victoria Police Fire Investigation, Fire Rescue Victoria and WorkSafe.

Crews were able to contain the fire to the one facility and neighbouring factories have not been impacted by the blaze.

It is understood the factory is both a storage facility for fuel and responsible for mixing a number of various chemicals on site.

The wild scenes unfolded at 11.20am on Wednesday. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Flames and thick smoke from a factory fire in Derrimut. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Crews arrived at the Swann Drive scene at 11.20am. Specialist appliances are on scene, including aerial appliances. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Multiple crews have been deployed to Derrimut in Melbourne’s west following a factory fire caused by a chemical explosion. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

A large alert is in place for surrounding suburbs. Picture: Supplied / FRV

A “significant amount of work” will be conducted by crews to ensure run-off from the factory does not enter waterways, Ms Crowley said.

FRV have requested an evacuation along Swann Drive to Bliss Court as hazardous material and unknown toxins are reportedly burning.

A ‘Watch and Act’ has also been issued for Albion, Braybrook, Brooklyn, Derrimut, Laverton North, Sunshine, Sunshine West, Tottehnham and Truganina.

The FRV has advised people in the area affected by smoke to take shelter indoors immediately.

Plumes of smoke could be seen from aircraft flying nearby. Picture: X

The smoke is reportedly tracking towards the CBD. Picture: X

Thick, black smoke can be seen billowing across the sky as crews work to contain the blaze.

Smoke has reportedly begun to spread to Melbourne CBD as wind changes push smoke south.

A community advice warning has been issued for Albion, Braybrook, Brooklyn, Derrimut, Laverton North, Sunshine, Sunshine West, Tottenham, Truganina.

Additional appliances are being deployed to the scene, as crews work to attack the fire, a FRV spokesman said.

Black smoke is seen spewing into the sky. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Two men watch as the chaos unfolds. Picture: NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

A Victoria Police spokesman said at this time there have been no reports of injuries.

“It is believed everyone inside the premises evacuated safely.

“Traffic in the area is expected to be impacted for some time with Swann Drive closed as well as westbound traffic on the Deer Park bypass being stopped for safety.”

All lanes of the Western Freeway remain closed in both directions between the M80 Ring Rd and Ballarat Rd.

The major freeway is expected to remain closed throughout the afternoon peak period.

The Department of Transport is advising motorists to keep their windows closed as they commute through the area.

A significant amount of back smoke is visible around Derrimut and Sunshine West, due to a factory fire. Motorists in the area, including the Western Freeway and M80 Ring Road, should keep their ventilation on recirculate and windows up. #victrafficpic.twitter.com/8G8YJFzAcy

— VicTraffic (@VicTraffic) July 10, 2024

Ambulance Victoria said crews arrived on the scene about 11.15am.

“Crews are currently on scene providing health monitoring, no-one has been transported to hospital at this stage,” a spokesman said.

Environment Protection Authority Victoria officers are at the scene.

The blaze comes less than a year after a man was killed in a factory fire in the same street.

The body of the 44-year-old Hoppers Crossing man was found inside the building following the chemical explosion in October.