State Government of Victoria

Fact sheet – 31 August 2018 update at 8.30pm

Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is supporting the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) to respond to a fire at an industrial site in West Footscray.

The fire produced a large plume of smoke that has impacted on the local community. There has been a strong odour associated with the smoke. The smoke has significantly reduced.

EPA is providing MFB, the incident controller, and all relevant government agencies with air quality data from mobile monitoring stations in the fire’s immediate vicinity, as per emergency management protocols. Data from these stations is updated regularly on the EPA AirWatch website. Weather conditions may change the local impacts of smoke.

EPA’s mobile air quality monitoring equipment provides localised monitoring for small particles in the air, known as PM_2.5m in the area around the fire_. These tiny particles are present in smoke and measure less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter (the average width of a strand of human hair is 75 micrometres in diameter). Because of their small size, PM_2.5 particles are a pollutant of concern in smoke and a good indicator of smoke in an area.

EPA advises people that if they can smell smoke and are concerned, they should try to avoid the smoke by staying inside.

EPA, local government and MFB officers are working to contain the flow of fire water used to battle the West Footscray fire but significant run off has made it into local waterways.

Stony Creek has been impacted by fire water runoff. Strong odours are coming from water near the site of the fire and around Cruickshank Park, and possibly into the Maribyrnong and Yarra Rivers. EPA is monitoring water quality all the way to the Bay.

Residents are advised to avoid all contact with water and keep pets away from the creek. They should also avoid spending any prolonged time in any highly odorous area. EPA is expecting the contamination to cause fish deaths.

• Avoid recreational fishing in the area at this time.
• Don’t eat fish from Stony Creek
• Don’t let your dogs swim in Stony Creek
• Don’t walk along the edge of Stony Creek
• Avoid Cruickshank Park in Yarraville
• Avoid eating fish from the lower part of the Maribyrnong River from the West Gate Bridge, as a precaution
• Seek medical help if you feel unwell and follow the same advice as you would for managing smoke

Signs have also been erected by Melbourne Water in local areas warning people of the contamination.

During the fire itself, asbestos is not expected to pose a risk to the health of the surrounding community.
This is because during a fire the amount of asbestos fibres released into the air is relatively low, and asbestos fibres change their mineral structure after prolonged heating, losing their ability to impact on health.

During clean up after the site, asbestos clumps and some fibres may remain on the site and cause a risk if the ash or debris is disturbed and inhaled. Clean up of asbestos-containing sites is required to be carried out in line with applicable guidelines and regulations and will involve on-site monitoring of asbestos in air in line with Worksafe requirements.

EPA has commenced monitoring of asbestos in the community on Friday 31^st August in preparation for imminent cleanup activities. Monitoring sites will be located in the local area adjacent to the site of the fire.

For more information about asbestos and your health go to asbestos.vic.gov.au Ash

• Ash particles fall from smoke. Ash is a fine powder that may be visible on surfaces.
• Although too large to breathe into your lungs, ash particles may irritate your eyes, nose or throat.
• If you come into contact with ash, wash it off your hands, face and neck as needed. If ash gets in your eyes, gently wash out with clean water.
• Practice good hygiene. Wipe down surfaces with soap and water.
• Remove footwear before entering your home to avoid walking ash inside.
• There should be no impact on any fruit and vegetables growing in your garden, but vegetables, fruit or herbs should always be washed in water prior to eating.
• If you are concerned or need further information, please contact EPA. Our officers are in the area and have not reported any areas of ash fallout.

Rainwater Tanks

• If you have a rainwater tank and the water from the tank tastes, looks or smells unusual, do not use it for drinking, bathing or for pets.
• The town water supply is safe to use for drinking and all domestic uses.

Smoke

• Smoke can affect people’s health. Where possible, avoid exposure to the smoke.
• People with heart or lung conditions (including asthma), children, pregnant women and the elderly are more sensitive to the effects of breathing in smoke.
• People with existing heart or lung conditions (including asthma) should follow the treatment plan advised by their doctor.
• If you are experiencing any symptoms that may be due to smoke exposure, seek medical advice or
  call NURSE-ON-CALL on 1300 60 60 24.
• Anyone experiencing wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing should call 000.

Acetone and other solvents may be present on the site of the fire. EPA will be monitoring for volatile organic compounds to understand the composition of the smoke and assist in the recovery process.

Smoke from the fire may result in acrid or solvent-like odours that may be detectable hundreds of metres from the site.