Major toxic fire spreads smoke across CBD
LARGE plumes of smoke are blowing across Melbourne this morning from a toxic factory fire in West Footscray.
Loud explosions were heard around Somerville Road shortly after 5am before the factory - believed to be an old woolshed - caught alight. The cause of the fire is not yet known but authorities say the building "is constructed of asbestos" and contains a number of chemicals creating a potent smell resembling nail polish.
More than 80 firefighters are battling the fire on Somerville Rd.

A warning has been issued for homes within a two-kilometre radius including Altona North, Braybrook, Brooklyn, Footscray, Kingsville, South Kingsville, Spotswood, Sunshine, Tottenham, West Footscray and Yarraville.
Callers to 3AW said they heard explosions this morning, with one saying: "It sounds like rolling thunder."
Property owners in the area have been warned to close their windows and turn off heating systems as winds pick up.
MEDIA RELEASE: More than 80 MFB firefighters are currently battling an out of control blaze at a factory on Somerville Road in West Footscray.https://t.co/W42hpzwogE pic.twitter.com/QGvaEIzSTz
— MFB (@MFB_NEWS) 29 August 2018
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Fire Brigade said the building contains acetone and oxy acetylene, a chemical used for welding.
He said a 44 gallon drum exploded and "flew through the air" when firefighters attempted to enter.
The building is made of asbestos.
The spokesman said "asbestos procedures" are in place and firefighters are "wetting down the material" to "minimise the exposure".
There is a large amount of smoke following the fire our crews are battling in #WestFootscray close your windows and doors, and turn off any heating or cooling systems. Seek medical advice if you are affected by the smoke. https://t.co/2qNiKM7Hwf
— MFB (@MFB_NEWS) 29 August 2018
The fire is visible from St Kilda, on the other side of the city.
Large plumes of smoke have drifted over the Westgate Bridge.
West Footscray is located 7km from Melbourne's Central Business District and is largely industrial.