A massive factory fire erupted early Thursday morning at a factory on Chesterfield Road in Cheltenham, Melbourne, believed to be triggered by lithium-ion batteries. Fire crews were dispatched to the scene after receiving emergency calls around 8:30 AM, and they found the building engulfed in flames within minutes.
Witnesses reported alarming scenes, describing how the fire rapidly escalated. A male worker nearby remarked, “It was a normal day, and a customer had walked in and said, 'What's cooking?' So I walked outside and he said, 'It's not food, something is burning.' It's very concerning, scary. It's not good at all.” This initial observation quickly turned serious as flames spread through the factory, leading to chaos.
Another nearby observer recounted her experience of the event, stating, “Heaps of explosions just sounded like gunshots and then it was just black.” The explosions, likely linked to the burning lithium-ion batteries, contributed to the thick cloud of black smoke billowing over the area, which was visible up to 20 kilometers away, even reaching the Melbourne CBD.
Fire Rescue Victoria responded quickly to the incident, with crews arriving on the scene just five minutes after the initial call. They soon confirmed the blaze had caused significant damage to the 3,600 square meter building. Fortunately, the fire was contained to the factory site, but it required considerable resources and effort from the firefighters. The fire has now been brought under control.
Authorities issued alerts to residents across Cheltenham, Highett, Moorabbin, and Moorabbin East, advising them on apparent smoke visibility and air quality. "There is currently not threat to the community but people should continue to stay informed and monitor conditions," stated a spokesperson for Fire Rescue Victoria. Nonetheless, air quality reports indicated hazardous conditions, prompting local schools to take precautionary measures.
At nearby Tucker Road Primary School, children were kept indoors as smoke from the fire drifted nearby. This necessary action was aimed at protecting the students from potentially dangerous air pollution. Ongoing updates about the air quality were emphasized by officials, stressing the importance of community safety as smoke filled the sky.
Local roads were also affected due to the fire’s intensity, with Chesterfield Road closed between Turner and Wickham Roads and Keys Road shut down as well. Motorists were urged to avoid the affected area, leading to significant traffic disruptions.
The community’s response to the fire highlights the concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries, which can pose serious risks when involved in fires. The factory incident has acted as a stark reminder to both residents and business owners about the potential dangers and the protocols needed to handle such materials safely.
Firefighters remain on-site to monitor the situation as residual risks persist. Residents and those within the vicinity are being closely monitored to avoid complications stemming from the fire. Although the fire has been declared under control, the aftermath will need to be watched to assess any long-term impacts on the community.
Overall, the massive fire incident at the Cheltenham factory has raised serious concerns about safety measures surrounding lithium-ion batteries. Authorities are expected to conduct investigations to determine the exact cause of the fire and to implement new safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences.
The combination of quick-responding emergency services and community alertness has, thankfully, managed to avert potential tragedy stemming from what could have been more severe if not handled so swiftly. The situation is currently stable, but local officials are continuing efforts to keep the community informed of developments as they arise.