Tyre storage and processing businesses across Whittlesea and Hume with high fire risks have been put on notice by the Environment Protection Authority.
The EPA, Metropolitan Fire Brigade and Hume and Whittlesea councils are visiting high-risk sites to ensure businesses are managing their fire risks.
The visits follow a large blaze at a Broadmeadows tyre recycling facility in January that incinerated about 150,000 tyres and blanketed Melbourne in thick black smoke.
The fire burned for four days, with firefighters pouring 10,000 litres of water and fire retardant a minute on to it during its peak.
EPA metro manager Dan Hunt said the inspections were part of the organisation’s ongoing compliance and enforcement activities.
“Tyre stockplile fires are particularly difficult to control and generate hazardous smoke,” he said. “But simple preventative measures can be implemented to reduce the risk of fire and minimise impacts … We saw these impacts first-hand when a tyre fire at a recycling facility in Broadmeadows created very poor air quality conditions in the local area.
“Tyre fires can also be complex to deal with and potentially lead to significant environmental impacts during and post-emergency response. They can also present considerable clean-up costs.”
MFB acting chief officer Paul Stacchino said the inspections were necessary to keep the community safe.
Non-compliant site operators may be served with EPA remedial notices or council fire prevention notices requiring them to address identified concerns. The EPA may also impose sanctions on businesses.
