Residents relocated after ‘massive’ Brunswick East factory fire

More than 60 firefighters have battled a blaze at a warehouse on John Street in Brunswick East for more than two hours.

Crews were called to the Middle Eastern import and export business, which neighbours residential homes, at about 1pm after multiple triple-0 calls reporting the fire.

Structural damage to the warehouse is causing a threat to nearby homes with residents to be relocated.

Fire crews will remain at the scene overnight to continue to monitor for hot-spots.

There’s currently no threat to the community, but a ‘stay informed’ advice message has been issued for Brunswick, Brunswick East, Carlton North, Coburg, Fitzroy North, Northcote, Parkville, Princes Hill and Thornbury.

People in those suburbs are advised to close windows and doors, and turn off heating and cooling systems.

9News reporter Stephanie Anderson says the owner of the business was inside the shop adjoining the warehouse at the time.

“He had a couple of customers, fortunately everyone has gotten out safe and sound,” she told Tony Jones, filling in on 3AW Drive.

“He had the presence of mind, which is pretty incredible, to pull some LPG bottles out of that warehouse when he realised the fire had started.”

Press PLAY below to hear the latest

Several listeners rang Elise Elliott, filling in for Dee Dee, to report thick black smoke.

Oscar in Fitzroy said he’s “never seen smoke like this”.

“It’s getting worse as well.”

Jill spotted “huge, big black plumes” From Armadale Train Station.

“It’s massive, I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said.

Press PLAY below to hear listeners calling in to report the fire

Images: 9News