An aerial truck meant to be near the Derrimut fire was instead 40 kilometres away, while another broke down twice as the blaze raged.
A litany of equipment failures and missing gear hampered the battle against the huge industrial blaze in Derrimut, potentially putting the safety of firefighters and the public at risk.
Dion Robinson, who was on the scene at Derrimut, and union health and safety representative Kat Dunell, who attended the 2018 Footscray fireThe delay was created because the truck had been moved about 40 kilometres away to cover long-running and worsening gaps in the Fire Rescue Victoria fleet. The teleboom that normally would have responded from nearby Sunshine had been redeployed to Ringwood after the same type of appliance covering that area of the city broke down. The closest teleboom that could be called in came from Richmond station.
After the fire, Robinson reported symptoms of suspected chemical exposure that included a sore throat, fatigue and nosebleeds. A Fire Rescue Victoria spokesperson said the “safety of our firefighters, other first responders and the community is paramount”.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Derrimut chemical explosion cause still under investigation as firefighters seek treatment at hospitalAuthorities have revealed a number of firefighters were treated in hospital for headaches and high heart rates after battling the Derrimut chemical fire.
Read more »
Derrimut factory fire: toxic smoke warning as chemical explosion triggers large blaze in MelbourneCommunities in Melbourne’s west told to stay indoors after a large chemical explosion triggered a fire at a factory in Derrimut
Read more »
Large factory fire burning in Derrimut following chemical explosion7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
Concern over fumes and contaminated runoff as Derrimut chemical factory fire still smoulders in MelbourneFire expected to burn for days as local residents warned to avoid nearby waterways
Read more »
Toxic waterway alert after massive Derrimut chemical factory fire7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
‘No stone will be left unturned’: authorities vow ‘big investigations’ as Derrimut chemical factory fire smouldersWarnings to avoid nearby waterways as EPA says same Melbourne factory was issued notices after previous fire
Read more »