By NICOLE VALICEK
A FACTORY fire in Altona North that is believed to be not suspicious has caused more than $1 million damage.
Emergency services were called to Dome Garden Supplies on Pinnacle Rd, near Grieve Parade, just before 8pm last Tuesday.
It took more than 80 firefighters more than an hour to bring the blaze under control with the ferocious blaze gutting the inside of the factory.
Firefighters were still mopping up the scene on Wednesday before investigators arrived in the morning to establish how the fire started.
According to local police, the fire is not suspicious.
MFB assistant chief officer Ken Brown said when fire crews first arrived, they were met with explosions and fierce flames.
“There was some explosions initially when firefighters first arrived,” he said.
“The fire was very fierce and the smoke could be seen travelling over the West Gate Bridge.”
The MFB issued a watch and act warning at 10.30pm on Tuesday for the suburbs of Yarraville, Kingsville, Spotswood, South Kingsville, West Footscray, Newport, Tottenham, Brooklyn, Altona North, Braybrook and Sunshine West.
Fire crews worked hard to prevent the flames spreading to adjoining properties.
Director of Unique Bodyworx on Pinnacle Rd, Clen Kipp, arrived at work to a “chaotic scene” the next morning.
“I arrived the next morning to chaos, there was road blockages, there was just so much going on,” he said.
Anyone with information is asked to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
