Crime scene established following ferocious Brisbane factory fire
UPDATE @ September 25, 6.00am: An emergency situation has been revoked following a ferocious factory fire in Virginia overnight.
The blaze broke out at an industrial building on Pritchard Road just after 3.30pm.
Police declared an emergency situation just after 4.00pm, however it was revoked just after 11.00pm last night.
The blaze forced the evacuation of several nearby shops and a petrol station, while residents in the area were also told to stay inside and close their windows due to toxic smoke.
A crime scene has since been declared.
Police say scientific officers and fire investigators will attend the scene this morning to determine whether they are able to safely investigate the cause.
EARLIER @ September 24, @ 4.55pm: POLICE have declared an emergency situation due to a dangerous fire currently burning at a factory in Virginia, in Brisbane’s north.
The blaze broke out at a business on Pritchard Road just after 3.30pm, forcing the evacuation of nearby shops and a petrol station.
A PSPA (Public Safety Preservation Act) was declared at 4.10pm, with police establishing an exclusion zone bordering Sandgate Road, Pritchard Road and Newton Street and a thoroughfare between Newton Street and Sandgate Road.
“The fire continues to burn and due to the toxic nature of the smoke residents in the area are being asked to remain in doors and close windows,” police said in a statement.
BREAKING: Firefighters are working to extinguish a large blaze on Sandgate Road, Virginia. Video: Aaron Clay #7News pic.twitter.com/Rvxh1sSWQS
— 7 News Brisbane (@7NewsBrisbane) September 24, 2017
Sandgate Road remains open, however police are urging motorists to avoid the area due to major traffic delays.
EARLIER @ 4.30pm: A MAJOR fire has erupted at a business at Virginia, in Brisbane’s north.
The blaze is understood to have started in a factory on Pritchard Road just after 3.30pm.
Nearby shops and businesses have been evacuated whilst fire crews fight the massive, out-of-control blaze.
More of the Virginia factory fire. Authorities speaking to media soon. @ABCNewsBrisbane pic.twitter.com/3BW32FyQI4
— Jessica van Vonderen (@jessvanvonderen) September 24, 2017
Surrounding petrol stations have even been forced to switch off their pumps.
Police have urged people in the area to remain indoors and close all windows due to “toxic smoke”.
Our chopper crew zooming in on what appears to be car bodies burning in Virginia blaze. Stay clear of smoke poss toxic @9NewsQueensland pic.twitter.com/0AvUWO9ECn
— Darren Curtis (@DarrenCurtis9) September 24, 2017
Firecrews from outside Bris now being called up. Hose lines turning to steam before reaching heart of blaze @9NewsQueensland @QldFES pic.twitter.com/taas1BFUW6
— Darren Curtis (@DarrenCurtis9) September 24, 2017
