CFA crews found a “significant stockpile” of demolition waste when responding to a Broadford fire, which has been burning for two days.

The Broadford and Clonbinane Fire Brigades first attended the rural property on Davis Rd at noon on Sunday, August 24.

As of Tuesday, August 26, the building products and industrial waste fire was still burning.

District 12 assistant chief fire officer Steven Keating said CFA had engaged with the Environmental Protection Agency for support in dealing with the incident.

“On arrival, we found that there was a significant stockpile of building waste material, that includes timber and other combustible materials, and that’s now been on fire, to our knowledge, since Sunday,” Mr Keating said.

“We sought advice from EPA to manage this fire, and the reason we’ve done that is because it’s on a difficult slope, and it doesn’t have available water nearby. It’s quite difficult for us to just put it out.

“Because of the amount of material that’s on fire, it would be very difficult for us to extinguish it at this stage.”

In a statement published on Tuesday, August 26, Mitchell Shire Council shared background on the sire.

The statement suggests cleanup notices were issued at the site earlier this year when EPA inspections confirmed unlawful stockpiles of thousands of tonnes of construction and demolition waste had been piled there.

As a result of safety concerns, there are currently no crews on site.

Mr Keating said CFA was monitoring the fire and would begin extinguishing it when it is safe to do so.

Council, EPA and district 12 are working together to ensure the community is informed on the matter, especially those living in addresses neighbouring the site.

Crews will be attending the nearby properties on Wednesday, August 27 to update the community on the situation.

“That’s our highest priority at this point, to ensure the community are aware of the fire and that they’re taking any advice from the EPA to be safe if the smoke from the fire is impacting their homes,” Mr Keating said.

“The smoke risk is considered low at the moment, due to the weather, but with changing weather it may impact properties to a greater level.

“CFA has requested air monitoring equipment through EPA, but, due to the rain, it’s not viable at the moment, and that will be reassessed once the rain stops.”

VicEmergency encourages locals to close windows and doors, and turn off heating and cooling systems to prevent the smell of smoke from entering their home.

The next update is expected by Wednesday, August 27 at 6.40pm, or as the situation changes.

To stay informed, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdzd2bsk

Locals who have concerns on the situation are urged to contact EPA on 1300 372 842 or council on 5734 6200 for any support they may need.

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Wednesday, 22nd March 2023

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