Fire has destroyed a cabinet-making business in Melbourne's outer north, with as many as 70 firefighters, 17 trucks and two water bombers being needed to bring it under control.
Smitty's Kitchens & Cabinets on Williamson Road in South Morang went up in flames shortly after midday on Friday with a worker who was still inside but managed to escape without injury.Country Fire Authority crews, with support from the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, brought the fire under control before 2pm and were expected to be on scene well into the afternoon to fully put it out.
A CFA spokesman said chemicals common in such business, including glues and sprays, were inside the building and about 500 litres of a leaked liquid was controlled before it made it to a nearby drain.The building is about 30 metres by 40 metres, mostly made of concrete, and is believed to have been completely destroyed. The business owner declined to comment on Friday other than to say the worker who was inside when the fire started was safe.
The building is mostly surrounded by paddock, but there is a school across the road which authorities believe has been spared damage from smoke or embers.The fire sent thick smoke into the area and residents have been warned to close their windows and doors.
Wow, 17 trucks on a good friday? Good for some eh, Mr. Andrews 😂