Massive fire tears through factory building in Brunswick East

Massive fire tears through building in the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick – sending thick black smoke into the sky

  • Huge fire has broken out inside Brunswick East factory in inner-city Melbourne
  • Threatening to spread to nearby homes and can be seen several suburbs away 
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Firefighters are battling a massive blaze that has engulfed a factory in inner-city Melbourne with large plumes of black smoke seen from nearby suburbs.

Crews were called to John Street in Brunswick East around 1pm on Thursday following multiple reports of a blaze and arrived within five minutes to find the Alpha Trading wholesale premises well alight.

Extraordinary photos and footage shared by shocked onlookers show the blaze threatening to spread to an adjoining block of apartments and surrounding homes.

Firefighters are battling to contain a fire which has engulfed a business in Brunswick East

More than 60 firefighters are battling to save neighbouring properties and bring the blaze under control.

Locals in surrounding streets are being evacuated by authorities, the ABC reported. 

Flames and billowing smoke can be seen from surrounding suburbs, including North Carlton, Coburg, North Fitzroy, Northcote, Parkville, Princes Hill and Thornbury.

Oscar from Fitzroy told 3AW he’s ‘never seen smoke like this’.

‘It’s getting worse as well,’ he said.

‘It’s pretty bad. if you look out now, you’ll be able to see it from the city. There’s a lot of black fumes and smoke, even some flames.’ 

Jill was 13km away at Armadale train station when she noticed ‘huge, big black plumes’.

‘It’s massive, I’ve never seen anything like it,’ she said.

Flames and large plumes of smoke from the John St blaze can be seen from nearby suburbs

Flames and large plumes of smoke from the John St blaze can be seen from nearby suburbs

The fire in Melbourne's inner-north (pictured) began around 1pm on Thursday

The fire in Melbourne’s inner-north (pictured) began around 1pm on Thursday

Police and paramedics are also at the scene.

‘Members of the public are asked to avoid the area to allow emergency vehicle access,’ a Fire Rescue Victoria spokeswoman said.

‘A community advice message has been issued to people in nearby areas that smoke may be visible, and to stay informed and monitor conditions.’ 

There is currently no threat to the community.

Residents are being warned to stay indoors and to close windows and doors if they’re sensitive to smoke.

Motorists are also urged to avoid the area with detours in place.

The factory is believed to be an importing/exporting business. 

Residents and workers in surrounding streets are being evacuated by authorities

Residents and workers in surrounding streets are being evacuated by authorities

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