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A massive fire breaks out at a Supercheap Auto store in Melbourne, causing traffic chaos for thousands of commuters and sending toxic smoke into the air as residents are warned to close their windows.
- A fire broke out at a Supercheap Auto in Melbourne
- More than 80 firefighters rushed to the store at 5 a.m.
More than 80 firefighters battled a fire in Melbourne after a Supercheap Auto caught fire.
Around 25 fire engines headed to the Epping Housewives’ Center in the north of the city in response to a fire at the car supply store around 5am on Wednesday.
Firefighters were still working to put out the blaze as of 7 a.m., and authorities warned people who live and drive in the area to close their windows due to the toxic smoke.
People who are particularly sensitive to smoke were advised to turn off their heating and cooling systems.
A fire at a Supercheap Auto store in Epping, Melbourne, has been burning for two hours (pictured, firefighters on scene early Wednesday morning)
More than 80 firefighters battled the blaze, which started around 5 a.m. Wednesday (pictured, burned-out store front)
Units from Fire Rescue Victoria and the State Country Fire Authority attended the scene.
The fire caused significant traffic delays and motorists were advised to avoid the area by using Edgar Rd or Dalton Rd.
Roadblocks around the intersection of High St and Cooper St remained in place at 8:30am.
Fire and Rescue Victoria said a ‘second-hand goods retailer’ also caught fire.
Vic Emergency declared the fire ‘controlled’ shortly before 8.30am.
More to come.
Firefighters were still fighting the fire at 7 a.m. (pictured, firefighters on scene)