Residents in and around Laverton North were urged to stay indoors on Sunday afternoon after a large fire broke out at a tissue factory – almost a year to the day after a similar blaze.
Sunday’s fire at Encore Tissue in Gilbertson Road was fanned by high winds, which spread smoke over Laverton North, Altona Meadows, Altona North and Altona.
Residents were told to avoid the area and stay indoors.
MFB spokesman Keith Robinson said firefighters were called after reports of a fire in the factory roof.
“The first crews reported flames and smoke issuing from the roof and called for extra appliances,” he said.
“CFA also responded to assist.
“Smoke from the fire was visible from a long distance and a community warning was sent to alert surrounding areas.
“The full extent of damage is yet to be assessed.”
Seven fire trucks and two aerial units were sent to the factory and it took 48 firefighters about an hour to bring the blaze under control.
A factory worker said the fire appeared worse than it was because of billowing smoke.
The fire was accidental, being caused by a build-up of lint on top of a heat exchanger.
Last year’s fire at Encore Tissue broke out at exactly the same time, 3pm.
