A fire has severely damaged a scrap metal recycling business in Rocklea, south Brisbane, after a large industrial fire broke out.
Eight firefighters and more than 40 firefighters were called to the scene around 3:30 p.m. on Ashover Road, near Archerfield Airport.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) said two large sheds were lit with more than 100 tires inside, sending thick black smoke into the air.
The Queensland Ambulance Service said paramedics evaluated two patients at the scene for minor respiratory problems.
The fire has been under control since then.
Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to search, up and down arrows for volume. Rocklea’s industrial business is on fire
While some feared for a gas station next to the recycling business, authorities said it was “never in danger.”
Tyson Stafford was working near the scrap yard when the fire broke out.
“It was huge. Only thick black smoke everywhere. The flames above that building. They were huge,” he said.
Firefighters quickly controlled the fire. (ABC News: Alexander Lewis)
Mr Stafford said he could not return home due to road closures.
“They have fire hoses all over the road. I’m stuck now, so I’ll just wait,” he said.
Police have closed Ashover and Ballam roads.
They needed eight firefighters to control the fire. (ABC News: Alex Lewis)
QFES inspector Timothy Clark said tires, plastic, car components, fuel and vehicle gases were among the ingredients that caught fire.
“One of the occupants said there were more than 100 tires in there, which was part of the assessment,” said Inspector Clark.
Authorities said nearby residents were urged to close windows and doors, while motorcyclists were asked to avoid the area.
However, the risk posed by dark smoke feathers to nearby people was reduced in a matter of hours.
“There is no longer a danger of smoke. We have had to be very careful: there are volumes of smoke that were being produced from these products that affect the neighboring properties,” said Inspector Timothy.
“We’re also right next to Archerfield Airport, so we were worried about flight routes.”
QFES said investigators will work to determine the cause of the fire.
Posted 3 hours 3 hours agoWednesday, June 1, 2022 at 6:05 AM, updated 1 hour ago 1 hours agoWednesday, June 1, 2022 at 8:24 am