UPDATE: People in the south-east are being warned to stay indoors to avoid breathing in the acrid, toxic smoke engulfing the region after a massive fire damaged three local factories.
The Metropolitan Fire Brigade was called to Bolwell Plastic Moulders factory on Wells Road, Mordialloc, about 6.15am on Thursday, after reports a fire had started in a lamination booth.
MFB spokeswoman Meg Rayner said 30 workers were safely evacuated, and despite earlier reports that one person was missing, all were accounted for.
Ms Rayner, who was at the scene about 7.30am, said 10 large drums of flammable residue and fibreglass were at the premises.
Three aerial appliances – big ladders – about 20 fire trucks, 82 firefighters and specialist hazardous material appliances fought the blaze until 8am, when it was brought mostly under control.
Ms Rayner said firefighters were still working on putting out hot spots and determining the chemicals about 8.40am.
The toxic smoke, which she described as ‘‘incredibly thick and acrid’’, is still hanging thickly around the suburbs of Mordialloc, Braeside, Aspendale, Aspendale Gardens, Waterways and Edithvale.
The estimated damage bill is $1 million.
The Country Fire Authority, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria are also on scene.
