15 Dec 2020 | 06:32 AM UTC
Australia: Authorities responding to a structure fire on Queen Street, Melbourne, Dec. 15
Officials are responding to a structure fire on Queen Street, Melbourne, Australia, Dec. 15. Road closure, transport disruptions reported.
Event
Authorities are responding to a structure fire at 131 Queen Street, near the corner of Bourke and Queen streets, in Melbourne's central business district (CBD) as of the late afternoon of Dec. 15. The cause of the blaze is not immediately clear. Officials have closed the intersection between Bourke and Queen streets to facilitate emergency operations. Tram operators have also diverted some services in the area.
Heightened security, as well as localized business and transport disruptions, are likely in the affected area in the coming hours. Authorities could evacuate businesses near the blaze. Lingering disruptions are possible after firefighters extinguish the flames as investigations into the incident continue.
Advice
Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Use caution if operating in Melbourne's CBD. Heed any evacuation orders. Seek alternative routes to circumvent the impacted area. Allow additional time to reach nearby destinations. Consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.
