hat investigators will enter the site once it is deemed safe. At this stage, the cause of the fire remains unknown, but early indications suggest it was not deliberately lit.
āThis will be a thorough investigation,ā Cowling said. āItās important that we determine exactly what occurred so that steps can be taken to reduce future risks.ā
WorkSafe Victoria is also expected to review the incident as part of its ongoing oversight of industrial sites.
Long Road to Recovery
Although the fire is largely contained, its aftermath is expected to stretch into the weeks and months ahead. Environmental clean-up, workplace inspections, and community reassurance will all form part of the recovery process.
For now, firefighters remain stationed at the factory, ensuring the site is stable and preventing any chance of reignition. Residents are being kept updated through official emergency channels, with regular air quality and traffic bulletins issued.
While Melbourne has seen industrial fires before, the Derrimut blaze serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with large chemical storage facilities. The incident has reignited calls for tighter safety measures and stricter enforcement to protect both the environment and local communities.
