Melbourne factory fire sparks massive emergency response and environmental concerns
A towering plume of dark smoke billowed across Melbourne’s skyline this week following a massive industrial fire at a factory complex in Derrimut, on the city’s western outskirts. The incident triggered one of Victoria’s most extensive firefighting operations in recent years, with authorities warning that cleanup and recovery could take weeks.
A fire of unprecedented scale
The fire started early Wednesday morning at a factory located on Swann Drive, an industrial area surrounded by warehouses, transport depots, and distribution centers. Fire Brigade Victoria (FRV) confirmed that several chemical storage drums inside the facility were caught in the flames, causing bursts of heat and debris.
Assistant Commissioner Michelle Cowling said firefighters received reports of a rapidly spreading blaze shortly after 11 a.m. Within minutes, thick smoke could be seen for miles around, with residents in both Melbourne’s west and inner suburbs reporting they could see the plume stretching across the horizon.
“This was an aggressive fire that required a large-scale response,” Cowling said. “The warehouse contained a variety of chemicals, so our crews had to take every precaution to protect themselves and the wider community.”
More than 180 firefighters deployed
In total, more than 180 firefighters responded to the scene, supported by dozens of trucks and aerial units. Teams from both the FRV and the National Fire Authority (CFA) worked side by side in extreme conditions.
By mid-afternoon, authorities confirmed that the fire was officially under control, although some smaller outbreaks are expected to continue burning for days. Firefighters are expected to maintain a presence at the scene until the risk of rekindling is completely eliminated.
“This won’t be resolved overnight,” Cowling said. “Our teams will remain here as long as necessary to ensure the safety of the site.”
Local evacuations and road closures
As a precaution, factories and offices in the area were evacuated. Several major roads were also closed, including sections of the Western Freeway, causing delays for drivers during the heavy afternoon traffic. Power outages in nearby suburbs disrupted traffic lights, increasing congestion.
Some arterial roads reopened Wednesday night, but police urged motorists to avoid the area if possible to provide easy access for emergency services.
Dramatic scenes witnessed
Witnesses described dramatic scenes as barrels and containers in the warehouse overheated and were thrown into the air. Trent Chamberlain, a Ravenhall worker whose office is three kilometers away, said the scale of the fire was alarming.
“Every few minutes, there was another explosion that rose into the air,” he told reporters. “The smoke was thick and dense; it was impossible to miss.”
Residents as far away as St Kilda, more than 20 kilometres from the scene, reported seeing the dark plume against the evening sky.
No injuries were reported.
Despite the magnitude of the fire and the hazardous materials present at the scene, authorities confirmed there were no injuries among factory workers, nearby residents, or emergency personnel. Ambulance Victoria reported that paramedics had been stationed at the scene since the beginning of the emergency, but no one needed to be transported for treatment.
“This is a positive outcome considering the risks our crews faced,” Cowling said. “All personnel are accounted for, and no firefighters have suffered serious injuries.”
Smoke warnings were issued
As dark smoke spread across Melbourne’s west, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) issued alerts for surrounding suburbs. Residents were urged to stay indoors whenever possible, close doors and windows, and turn off heating or cooling systems that draw in outside air.
EPA monitoring units were deployed to measure air quality. While the smoke was expected to dissipate with the shifting winds, residents with respiratory sensitivities were advised to take precautions.
Community Impact and Safety Precautions
The fire raised concerns among community groups, especially given the industrial nature of the site. The factory is believed to belong to the ACB Group, a company that has suffered fires before. The company did not immediately comment.
Authorities emphasized the importance of maintaining community safety as crews continued to manage the site. “We ask that people stay away from the area,” Cowling said. “These conditions are dangerous, and the fewer people around, the safer it will be for everyone involved.”
Environmental monitoring in progress
Beyond the immediate extinguishing efforts, attention quickly turned to the potential environmental impacts of the incident. The facility stored large quantities of chemicals, including kerosene, fuel products, and ethanol. When these materials are exposed to heat and water during extinguishing, there is a risk of runoff entering nearby streams and storm drains.
EPA officials confirmed they were working closely with Melbourne Water to contain the contaminated water and prevent it from spreading into natural waterways. Trucks and pumps were deployed to collect excess water, while sandbags were installed to slow runoff.
“We are currently focused on limiting the impact on local streams,” an EPA spokesperson said. “Monitoring will continue as long as necessary.”
Broader context of industrial fires
This isn’t the first time Melbourne’s western suburbs have faced major industrial fires. In recent years, facilities in Footscray, Tottenham, and West Footscray have suffered large-scale blazes that have raised long-term questions about storage practices and regulatory oversight.
Experts say these incidents highlight the challenges of balancing industrial growth with environmental safety. “The community has every right to be concerned,” said one environmental specialist. “We need more rigorous preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of these events occurring.”
Next steps in the investigation
Authorities have confirmed that investigators will enter the site once it is deemed safe. The cause of the fire is currently unknown, but initial indications suggest it was not deliberately set.
“This will be a thorough investigation,” Cowling said. “It’s important to determine exactly what happened so that measures can be taken to reduce future risks.”
WorkSafe Victoria is also expected to review the incident as part of its ongoing monitoring of industrial sites.
Long road to recovery
Although the fire is largely contained, its aftermath is expected to linger for weeks and months to come. Environmental cleanup, worksite inspections, and community reassurance will be part of the recovery process.
For now, firefighters remain stationed at the factory, ensuring the site’s stability and preventing any possibility of rekindling. Residents are being kept informed through official emergency channels, with regular bulletins on air quality and traffic.
While Melbourne has suffered industrial fires before, the Derrimut blaze serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with large chemical storage facilities. The incident has revived calls for stronger safety measures and law enforcement to protect both the environment and local communities.
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