Quick Read
- An industrial fire erupted in North Geelong on March 3, 2026, due to exploding gas bottles.
- The blaze started at a scrap car yard on Thompson Road and Armstrong Street.
- Emergency evacuation warnings were issued for affected streets, deeming the area “extremely dangerous.”
- Thick, toxic smoke spread across several Geelong suburbs, prompting health alerts.
- The fire was declared under control by 5:24pm, with emergency crews remaining on site.
GEELONG (Azat TV) – An industrial fire ignited by multiple exploding gas bottles at a scrap car yard in North Geelong, Australia, prompted an urgent evacuation warning and widespread health concerns on Tuesday afternoon, March 3, 2026. The blaze, which began around 3:30pm on the corner of Thompson Road and Armstrong Street, sent thick plumes of toxic smoke across several suburbs, leading authorities to deem the area “extremely dangerous.”
Emergency services, including Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), Victoria Police, and Ambulance Victoria, rapidly responded to the incident after receiving Triple Zero (000) calls reporting a car fire, explosions, and large smoke plumes. Crews arrived within five minutes to find a vehicle on the back of a truck ablaze, with flames quickly spreading to nearby gas bottles, causing multiple explosions.
Emergency Response and Evacuation Orders
VicEmergency issued an immediate emergency warning, urging people within the affected industrial area—specifically Pashley Avenue, Sharon Court, and parts of Thompson Road and Armstrong Street—to leave immediately. Those outside the warning zone were advised to stay away. The warning explicitly stated, “Do not enter the area, it is extremely dangerous,” and instructed those driving to shut all windows, turn off air conditioning, and close vents before evacuating.
As of 4:30pm, eight firetrucks were on scene, with FRV crews supported by the CFA, working to contain the intense blaze. Thompson Road, Armstrong Street, and Pashley Avenue were all closed to traffic to ensure public safety and facilitate emergency operations. The fire was brought under control by 5:24pm, though crews were expected to remain on site for an extended period to ensure the area’s safety and address any lingering hazards.
Health Warnings Amid Toxic Smoke Plumes
The industrial fire generated significant health concerns due to the thick, black smoke billowing from the site, which aerial vision showed engulfing what appeared to be piles of tyres and wrecked cars. VicEmergency confirmed that the smoke had spread to nearby residential areas, including North Geelong, Bell Park, Bell Post Hill, and surrounding suburbs.
Residents in these areas were warned that the smoke could aggravate existing heart and lung conditions, and cause irritated eyes, coughing, and wheezing. Authorities advised people to avoid exposure to the smoke and remain indoors with windows and doors closed if they were not in the immediate evacuation zone.
Containing the North Geelong Blaze
The incident began as a vehicle fire but quickly escalated due to the presence of multiple gas bottles, creating an explosive hazard that complicated firefighting efforts. Fire Rescue Victoria confirmed the rapid spread of flames from the initial vehicle to the gas bottles, leading to the series of dangerous explosions. Firefighters concentrated their efforts on the perimeter of the property, hosing down the blaze to prevent further spread and mitigate the explosive risk.
The coordinated response from various emergency agencies was critical in managing the immediate danger and providing clear public safety directives. The swift action helped prevent potential injuries, though the long-term environmental impact of the toxic smoke remains a concern for the affected communities.
The rapid escalation from a vehicle fire to multiple gas bottle explosions highlights the inherent dangers of industrial sites, particularly those handling varied materials like scrap metal and vehicles, underscoring the critical importance of stringent safety protocols.