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TOXIC SMOKE AT DERRIMUT
■ Fire Rescue Victoria was concerned about residents’ exposure to wastewater and toxic smoke from a large factory fire at Swann Avenue, Derrimut. FRV last week issued a ‘Watch and Act’ message for Albion, Braybrook, Brooklyn, Derrimut, Laverton North, Sunshine, Sunshine West, Tottenham and Truganina. The incident involved a large chemical explosion and a fire. Specialist appliances were on the scene, including aerial appliances. More than 180 firefighters responded to the fire. FRV's specialist hazmat and scientific advisors were on site, as well as the Environment Protection Authority. A large plume of smoke blew over the eastern and western suburbs of Melbourne. FRV requested an evacuation along Swann Drive to Bliss Court, which Victoria Police managed. "Our crews have been working around the clock since 11.20am this morning and have brought this significant fire under control," FRV Deputy Commissioner Michelle Cowling said last Wednesday (July 10). “There have been no reports of any injuries to staff or to any of the emergency services on site. “The cause of this fire will be fully investigated by WorkSafe, FRV, Victoria Police and other agencies."
● Blaze at Derrimut. Photo: ABC.
FIREARMS RING BUST AT MELTON ■ Three people were arrested as Police busted an alleged firearm manufacturing ring in Melton on Friday (July 12). Detectives from Melton Crime Investigation Unit, with assistance from the Special Operations Group, executed a search warrant at an Oneills Rd address about 8.30am. Two men – aged 33 and 41 – and a 30-year-old woman were arrested without incident. Officers then searched the property with assistance from Australian Federal Police’s specialist forensic search team. During the search they located and seized: ■ more than a dozen handguns and homemade handguns ■ firearms parts ■ ammunition ■ six litres of 1,4 Butanediol ■ blueprints ■ a 3D printer ■ a knuckleduster, baton and knives ■ electronic devices and an electrical bypass.
Investigators from the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad, with assistance from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad, then executed a second search warrant at an address on Hawtin St in Templestowe and located: ■ four handguns ■ an improvised explosive device ■ homemade projectiles ■ ammunition ■ a 3D printer ■ Taser cartridge ■ pre cursor chemicals ■ firearm components ■ Electronic devices The Melton trio were in custody being interviewed by detectives. Melton Acting Inspector
Scott Williams said: “We dismantled a sophisticated alleged firearm manufacturing ring today and removed more than a dozen illicit firearms from the streets. “Illicit firearms have absolutely no place in our community, and we are committed to removing them from the wrong hands.”
Jobs surge
■ West of Melbourne residents have seen a rapid surge in employment, increasing by 100,000 jobs in just six years. However, almost half the employed face a regular commute beyond the west. The statistics are in the WoMEDA (West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance) half yearly economic update, released last week.
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