UPDATE 10pm: “THIS could have been much, much worse,” CFA District 2 duty officer and operations officer Chris Jacobsen said, as emergency services mopped up the last of a factory fire in Kangaroo Flat.
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About 6.30pm, firefighters received several calls saying the oil warehouse at the intersection of Phillips Drive and High Street was alight.
Inside were oils and hydrocarbon fuels – highly flammable materials which, according to Mr Jacobsen, didn’t actually ignite.
“In the area of origin there were some aerosol cans, so there's no doubt some of those have ruptured,” he said.
“There was LP gas in there and, as I said, oil and other lubricants in the building, but most of those the drums have just expanded, rather than ruptured and burnt.”
Mr Jacobsen said neighbouring business owners tried to extinguish the fire when it was first noticed.
Firefighters from Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square, Bendigo and Eaglehawk arrived shortly thereafter.
“Crews then had to cut their way in through the roller doors to get to the fire,” Mr Jacobsen said.
He said there was some structural damage to the building, ‘a lot of furniture damage’, water damage in the shop area, and a lot of the oil drums in storage had expanded in the heat, some of which had leaked.
“A smoke warning was issued but in the end it was mostly timbers that were burning,” Mr Jacobsen said.
The number of firefighters at the scene was estimated to be about 40 – 50, at the fire’s peak.
Support services were also present, including Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police.
The City of Greater Bendigo and the EPA also responded.
“At the moment our main concern is some detergents and small amounts of oil which have gone down the drains with the firefighting,” Mr Jacobsen said.
“So we’re working with the EPA and the council now to make sure that doesn’t get into the Bendigo Creek.”
No-one was in the factory at the time of the fire and there were no injuries reported.
Emergency services are not treating the fire as suspicious.
“The owner had left probably just before 6pm – not long after he left the fire had started,” Mr Jacobsen said.
“We do know where the fire started, we're just having a more detailed look at why.”
UPDATE 7.44pm: FIREFIGHTERS and police remain at the scene of a fire at an oil warehouse in Kangaroo Flat.
A CFA spokesperson said the fire was brought under control in 40 minutes.
Phillips Drive is closed to traffic as emergency services attend.
UPDATE 6.58pm: FIREFIGHTERS have contained a factory fire in Kangaroo Flat.
The CFA has advised there is no threat to the community, but said people should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.
“Smoke may be visible from nearby locations,” the advice message said.
Emergency services remain in the area.
The CFA has requested that people keep the roads clear so emergency services can respond.
Health information:
- If you need medical advice for exposure to smoke, seek medical advice or call Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024.
- Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing should call Triple Zero (000).
Smoke information:
- Smoke can affect people's health.
- People with heart or lung conditions (including asthma), children, pregnant women and older people are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke.
- People with existing heart or lung conditions (including asthma) should follow the treatment plan advised by the doctor.
EARLIER: EMERGENCY services are responding to a fire at an industrial premises in Kangaroo Flat.
Firefighters were called to Phillips Drive and High Street about 6.26pm and remain at the scene.
The fire is not yet under control.
More to come
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