A massive fire that engulfed two factories in Keysborough took hours to bring under control and blanketed the area with thick black smoke.
Fire crews were called to Cambria Road in Keysborough about 3.40am on Friday after reports of smoke.
Country Fire Authority spokesman Angus Mair said crews arrived to find a plastic recycling factory and a car wreckers engulfed in flames and billowing thick black smoke.
About 60 firefighters and 21 fire trucks battled the blaze for about four hours.
The fire was brought under control about 8am but it is expected to take several hours to extinguish it completely.
“It was a huge operation and fire crews will likely be here for many hours to come,” Mr Mair said.
“It appears it has started in the back half of the plastic factory and has spread to the car wreckers.”
Thick smoke covered the area, including the EastLink, which reduced to light smoke by 8am.
