Vic: Fire destroys medical factory

AAP General News (Australia)
08-31-2008
Vic: Fire destroys medical factory

MELBOURNE, Aug 31 AAP - Firefighters are still mopping up after a massive blaze destroyed
a medical supplies factory in Melbourne's south-east causing up to $6 million in damage.

At least six employees had to be evacuated from the factory in Moorabbin when the blaze
broke out at 12.30pm (AEST) yesterday.

The 100 metre by 60 metre factory was a challenge for more than 80 firefighters who
tackled the blaze for most of yesterday, and the mopping up process may take up until
tomorrow, Metropolitan Fire Brigade commander Darren Davies said.

"It was a difficult fire to fight, there were not many access points to get in," he said.

"There was rubber and other textile manufacturing stuff producing heaps of smoke.

"We had to rip walls out to get in."

Commander Davies estimated the fire had caused at least $3 million and possibly more
than $6 million damage, with machinery and supplies at the textile manufacturing company
destroyed.

The factory uses rubber, cotton and other materials to produce goods such as knee and
elbow bands and bandages.

"I haven't had a chance to talk to the owner yet but he is there this morning," Commander
Davies said.

"The fire's out now but there are hot spots to put out and we are demolishing the building
to stop the structure collapsing.

"Fire investigators will now look at what the cause was."

The Environment Protection Authority also monitored the area to see whether residents
would have to be evacuated from toxic fumes but strong winds helped blow the smoke away.

Just 13km down the road, another factory fire yesterday at 5am forced nearby residents
inside their homes because of toxic fumes.

That blaze caused $3 million damage to the 50 metre by 50 metre double storey factory
at Fiveways Boulevard in south-eastern Keysborough, which produces chemical additives
for concrete.

AAP gr/jm/bwl

KEYWORD: BANDAGES

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