Cars and scrap metal engulfed in Bridgewater blaze | VIDEO
Firefighters have been battling 10m high flames as thick, black smoke blanketed the suburb of Bridgewater. PHOTOS, VIDEO >>
Tasmania
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UPDATE
EMERGENCY Services are continuing to monitor an industrial site which was the scene of a major blaze on Monday afternoon.
It can be revealed the fire took place at scrap metal recycling business Recycal.
It is understood despite the fire, Recycal’s Bridgewater operations are still open for business.
TFS are continuing to monitor the location just in case, despite the fire being extinguished.
Tasmanian Police and fire investigators will look into the cause of the huge fire.
Recycal declined to comment on the incident.
YESTERDAY A PILLOW of acrid thick smoke from an industrial fire gushed through the air near Bridgewater and Brighton on Monday afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the scene of an industrial site on Crooked Billet Drive at 3.30pm after thick smoke swept into the air and blocked the vision of motorists nearby on the Midland Hwy.
The fire engulfed a huge mound of cars and large pile of scrap metal, at least 10m high, which contributed to the harsh smoke at the industrial site.
Firefighters and emergency services managed to control the fire as it appears neighbouring businesses were not affected from the flames.
A crowd of motorists parked on the side of the road and watched the scrapyard inferno while they waited for the smoke to pass the road.
Fireys had to wear breathing apparatus while combating the smoke.
A police officer at the scene ensured members of the public wouldn’t get to close.
TFS used six firefighting vehicles including an aerial appliance for hours on end to extinguish the blaze.
An helicopter was above the scene on standby for precaution.
It is not yet known how the fire started or how much damage has been caused to the business.
TFS issued a smoke warning for anyone who was within the vicinity of the incident.
The smoke alert was issued for the Midland Highway, Bridgewater and Brighton surrounding areas.
“Smoke from this fire is visible in the Midland Highway, Bridgewater and Brighton surrounding areas,” TFS said.
“There is no threat to the general public. People who don’t need to be in the immediate area should stay away.”
There were no reports of any injuries.
Tasmanian Police and TFS are investigating the cause of the fire.
Meanwhile, Penguin residents were on alert after fire crews worked quickly to extinguish a bushfire near residential area.
An aerial helicopter dunked the fire with water.
TFS issued a bushfire smoke alert for a bushfire at Cann St.
Residents were urged to monitor conditions, but was assured that the fire posed no threat to the community.
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