Sunshine West industrial fire: smoke warning after scrap metal burns

An industrial fire in Melbourne’s west has blanketed nearby streets with black smoke, prompting a warning for neighbours to stay indoors. The blaze broke out at a scrap metal recycling centre at Boundary Rd, Sunshine West about 2.30pm on Thursday. It took 40 minutes for fire crews to bring under control. A plume of thick smoke was seen above the site and a watch and act message was issued to people who live in surrounding streets. The Metropolitan Fire Brigade said they arrived to find a pile of metal about 20m by 20m on fire. All workers at the site were evacuated and no injuries were reported. People who live between Industrial Drive and Boundary Road, Sunshine West, were advised to seek shelter indoors immediately. The advice message was to close all exterior doors and windows, close vents and ensure that heating and cooling systems are turned off. Fairbairn Road was closed in both directions between Proximity Drive and Spencer Street and Boundary Road was also closed eastbound at Fairbairn Road. Motorists were told to avoid the area. josh.fagan@news.com.au