A factory in Altona North has been gutted by a ferocious blaze, coating the region in smoke overnight.
The Metropolitan Fire Brigade was called to a garden supplies factory near the intersection of Pinnacle Road and Grieve Parade, Altona North, just before 8pm on Tuesday to find the building well alight.
It took 80 firefighters an hour-and-a-half to control the blaze.
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MFB assistant chief officer Ken Brown said when fire crews first arrived, they were met with explosions and fierce flames.
‘‘The fire was very fierce, and the smoke could be seen travelling over the top of the West Gate Bridge,’’ he told radio station.
The damage is estimated at $1 million.
The MFB issued a watch and act warning at 10.30pm on Tuesday for the suburbs of Yarraville, Kingsville, Spotswood, South Kingsville, West Footscray, Newport, Tottenham, Brooklyn, Altona North, Braybrook and Sunshine West.
Fire investigators will arrive at the factory on Wednesday morning to establish how the fire started.
Anyone with information is asked to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.