Factory fire sparks toxic fumes, run-off fears

Structural integrity and toxic contamination fears were preventing fire crews from fully extinguishing the Derrimut factory fire, two days after the blaze broke out.

Structural integrity and toxic contamination fears were preventing fire crews from fully extinguishing the Derrimut factory fire, two days after the blaze broke out.

Although Fire Rescue Victoria crews managed to bring the ACB Chemicals factory inferno under control in four hours on Wednesday, there were still “hotspots” in some hard to reach places on Friday afternoon.

FRV Deputy Commissioner Josh Fischer said the firefighting mission was “complex”.

“This is a complex and dangerous environment, there are a lot of hazards associated with this incident so we’re taking extreme caution and care as we manage those risks for our firefighters from the time of the incident and into the future,” he said.

“Firefighting is a strenuous activity, particularly over a long duration wearing breathing apparatus in hot environments and stressful conditions.”

Five vehicles and 20 firies remained onsite and will work over the weekend in an effort to put out the troublesome hotspots.

Mr Fischer praised the efforts of the crews who responded to the incident and prevented the flames spreading to other buildings beyond the factory.

“This was a massive, well-coordinated team effort to bring this incident Under Control in just over four hours with no impact to adjoining buildings in terms of fire spread,” he said.

Earlier, residents in Melbourne’s west were warned to avoid fumes and potentially contaminated run-off after a chemical blast sparked a toxic inferno.

While the blaze at the factory in Derrimut was brought under control on Wednesday afternoon, the Environmental Protection Authority and Fire Rescue Victoria have warned locals to stay away from Swann Drive until further notice.

Fears have now turned to the toxic fumes and run-off that has leaked downstream of the area.

Flames and thick smoke from the Derrimut factory fire. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The EPA said fire water had seeped into waterways at Cherry Creek, Anderson’s Swamp and Kayes Drain and people should avoid contact with water at those locations and also keep their pets away.

FRV community safety deputy commissioner Joshua Fischer said more than three million litres of water and 40,000 litres of foam was used to suppress the blaze.

Emergency services were now focused on containing the run-off, he said.

RMIT chemistry Professor Oliver Jones said more information was needed before speculating on the factory’s contents, but it was possible some effects could be seen on local creeks.

“These are likely to be short term as the water works its way through the system,” he said, adding this should not threaten drinking supplies.

A water quality alert for downstream waterways remained in place on Thursday evening, with the EPA confirming it was conducting tests to determine the extent of any pollution.

Originally published as Factory fire sparks toxic fumes, run-off fears