Kwinana warehouse fire: HAZMAT warning still in effect as toxic smoke lingers after blaze

A fire that incinerated a warehouse in Kwinana and sparked a HAZMAT warning over several suburbs on Friday afternoon is still causing problems, with those in the area warned to stay inside as the lingering smoke may be toxic.

The agricultural industrial storage facility on Kwinana Beach went up in flames about 1.25pm and caused a massive plume of black smoke to blanket the area as temperatures rose to 42C.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday updated the HAZMAT warning for the incident, reiterating its advice to people nearby to remain indoors, close their windows and turn off their air-conditioners.

On Friday incident controller Ray Buchan said fire crews had to battle two to three-metre flames to bring the blaze under control but the bigger issue was the smoke.

“There’s a significant amount of sulfur in there,” Mr Buchan said.

“The only way to get in there was through the smoke, so they had to be careful.”

On Saturday morning, smoke wasstill blowing in a southerly direction and was impacting parts of Kwinana Beach.

People in an area bounded by Port Road and Kwinana Beach Road through to the ocean were warned they could be impacted.

“As a precautionary measure, people in the area should remain inside, out of the smoke or fumes, with doors and windows closed. Air conditioners should also be switched off,” DFES advised.

“People should stay away from the area. If you are already in the area take advice from emergency services personnel.”

Port Road is still closed at the intersection of Kwinana Beach Road as firefighters continue to mop up.

Residents north of Port Road and south of Wells Park, who were yesterday caught up in the emergency warning, are no longer being affected by the smoke.

People with medical concerns should contact their local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.