Toxic factory blaze

By Rebecca Fraser
A FIRE at a Hallam automotive factory on Tuesday took more than an hour to bring under control after fire crews were confronted with thick, black smoke and toxic fumes.
A CFA spokesperson said the fire officers responded to the call at 10:52am at ProCon Automotive located in Decor Drive.
The first fire crew called for additional fire trucks and officers after arriving on the scene and being confronted with thick black smoke bellowing out of the 100 square metre building, caused by burning plastics and polystyrene at the rear.
The toxicity of the smoke forced the CFA to issue a warning to residents and students and staff at nearby Hallam Primary School to remain inside.
The CFA spokesperson said the fire crews worked hard to contain the fire, bringing it under control by 12.08pm.
Operations officer Cliff O’Connor said the fire crews worked well to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining buildings.
Six fire trucks and one aerial appliance from Hallam, Dandenong, Frankston, Narre Warren, Hampton Park and Chelsea attended the fire along with 30 firefighters.
Police, ambulance, TXU and Casey municipal building surveyor also attended and there were no injuries.
CFA Fire investigators are investigating the cause of the fire.