By XAVIER SMERDON
IT TOOK more than three hours for 60 firefighters to extinguish a blaze at a Laverton factory last week.
The fire at Norstar Steel Recyclers started in the early hours of Monday 9 September, causing traffic chaos in the surrounding area.
A Metropolitan Fire Brigade spokesperson said that the fire had caused concern throughout the Melbourne area.
“Black smoke with a pungent smelling odour was present and strong winds were blowing it across Melbourne towards the southern suburbs,” the spokesperson said.
“Triple zero calls were being received around Elwood, Caulfield and as far as Wheelers Hill. A community warning was issued.”
Employees were evacuated from the site and three nearby premises were also evacuated.
Bill, who witnessed the fire, said he was surprised no one was hurt.
“It’s not every day you see something like that,” Bill said.
“I was standing pretty far away because they wouldn’t let us get any closer, but you could still feel the heat like it was right in front of you.
“But that wasn’t anywhere near as bad as the smell.”
The MFB spokesperson said the fire was particularly difficult to attack.
“MFB firefighters utilised large monitors to disperse water on the fire whilst heavy machinery was used to assist in the process,” they said.
“The availability of water in the area also created initial problems.”
