By Tanya Steele
Firefighters worked through the night to battle a significant factory fire in Jersey Road, Bayswater, which began in the early hours of 14 February.
Around 24 crews from CFA and FRV were called to the scene just after midnight, finding the building ablaze.
“CFA and FRV crews were called to the scene at 12.38am and found the 20 by 50 metre factory well alight,” said a CFA press release.
The factory, believed to house recycling materials, sent large amounts of smoke into the area, prompting the CFA to issue a series of warnings.
People located in the area bordered by the Dandenong Creek, Dorset Road and Malvern Street and Scoresby Road in Bayswater were advised to take shelter indoors, close all exterior doors and windows, close vents and ensure heating and cooling systems are turned off.
On social media Bayswater CFA thanked crews and service personnel who worked alongside them into the night.
“Upon arriving Fire fighters were faced with a large and complex fire,” their post read.
“Bayswater BA has filled in excess of 60 cylinders both FRV and CFA. Crews will remain on scene for most of the morning.”
The post said that supporting Bayswater were CFA brigades from Boronia, Ferntree Gully, Upper Ferntree Gully, Lilydale, Montrose, Narre Warren, Scoresby, South Warrandyte, Upwey,Yellingbo and units from Fire Rescue Victoria.
Supporting on scene were Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, South East Water, EPA and SES Knox and Knox City Council.
A media spokesperson from Ambulance Victoria said they responded to the reports of a fire related incident in Bayswater just before 1am.
“No emergency treatment or transport was provided,” they said.
By 2:25am, the fire was brought under control, with safety declared at 9:52am.
Crews remained on-site, and an investigation into the cause is underway.
