Australia: Emergency personnel responding to warehouse fire in Wantirna South Jan. 17

Event

Emergency personnel are responding to a fire at a warehouse on High Street Road in Wantirna South, a suburb of Melbourne, Jan. 17. Authorities closed High Street Road between George Street and Almray Place. Officials evacuated around 200 workers from the building and issued a smoke inhalation warning for nearby residents.

Heightened security and localized business and transport disruptions are almost certain over the coming hours. Authorities could evacuate nearby buildings as a precaution. Lingering disruptions are possible after crews extinguish the fire as investigations and recovery operations continue.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Check for transport disruptions and seek alternative routes if necessary. Consider remaining indoors if heavy smoke is in the area, especially if you suffer from 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.