The large fire continues to burn after a "large chemical explosion" erupted at a factory on Swann Drive in Derrimut about 11.20am yesterday.
The fire was deemed under control at 3.32pm after 180 firefighters and more than 50 trucks responded to the "seventh alarm" fire.
Police confirmed no injuries were reported as everyone in the warehouse and neighbouring properties were safely evacuated.
Residents in Derrimut and Laverton North have been warned to keep their windows closed due to toxic smoke, though this advice could change as wind keeps up this morning.
People have also been warned to avoid contact with water from Cherry Creek, Anderson's Swamp, and Kayes Drain, which have been contaminated by runoff.
As the smoke clears, destruction of Melbourne factory blaze revealed
The Environment Protection Authority said "no ash impacts" had been observed but urged people in the affected area to wipe down surfaces if they spotted ash, and to wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner Community Safety Joshua Fischer said there were a number of chemicals and dangerous goods on site that were consumed in the fire.
He said the exact quantity was currently not known.
"We are now currently managing runoff of contaminated water as a result of the firefighting effort and contaminants in the building alongside the EPA," he said.
"It is a dynamic situation and we are undertaking atmospheric monitoring so we can allow businesses in the area to return to premises on a case by case basis.
"There are still road closures in place and a current 'Watch and Act' in place for the same area issued yesterday."
WorkSafe is responding and will investigate the company.
Fire Rescue Victoria said about three million litres of water and 40,000 litres of foam was used to suppress the fire.
There are three appliances currently undertaking firefighting operations to suppress the fire, with a further 11 appliances on the scene supporting.
It's expected the fire will continue to burn for several days.
Residents are assured there is no current threat but to monitor conditions and stay informed.
Telstra has also reported a 4G and 5G network outage in Derrimut.
There is also a power outage affecting some residents near the fire, according to PowerCor.
Fire Rescue Victoria Deputy Commissioner Michelle Cowling earlier said a range of chemicals, including kerosene, fuel, methylated spirits and ethanol inside the factory had made it hard for crews to bring it under control.
She said fuel drums inside were exploding and launching into the air, making it dangerous for emergency services and residents.
"We estimate we're going to be here a couple of days because of the fuel load in this factory," she said.
"We can't get in close enough to cool this fire down. It will have to be pulled apart."
Cowling said all the factories surrounding the site had also been evacuated, with the biggest threat to the community being the toxic smoke.
"We take this very seriously, we don't know what is in that smoke and smoke is toxic and will cause damage," she said.
Police were called to the site while Melbourne Water and the EPA assessed any damages yesterday.
Aerial vision showed burnt gas bottles at the site as the fire continued to grow.
The flames forced a fence to fall and were seen inching dangerously close to a grassed area.
Heavy traffic delays were felt around the area after Swann Drive and the Western Freeway were forced to close.
Motorists were urged to avoid the area and keep their car ventilation on recirculate and windows up.
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2024-07-11 02:34:10Z
CBMigAFodHRwczovL3d3dy45bmV3cy5jb20uYXUvbmF0aW9uYWwvY2hlbWljYWwtZXhwbG9zaW9uLXNwYXJrcy1tYWpvci1mYWN0b3J5LWZpcmUtaW4tbWVsYm91cm5lL2QxOWM1NGNjLTA1ZjctNDIyZi05MmE4LWQ5MWYzYjY2NjhhNtIBAA
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