This morning’s fire began inside a temporary fencing factory in Foleys Road, Derrimut, just before 9am.
Firefighters arrived on the scene to find the factory completely alight, with flames shooting high into the air.
Fortunately, all 30 people who had been inside the building when the fire started had managed to safely evacuate.
The fire sent thick black plumes of smoke across Melbourne’s west as it burned out of control for almost two and a half hours until it was brought under control just before 11.30am.
The factory collapsed in on itself amid the blaze.
About 60 firefighters have remained on scene to deal with the wreckage and prevent the fire from reigniting.
A community warning has been issued for smoke in the surrounding area and people are being asked to avoid using Foleys Rd and Mt Derrimut Rd.
EPA officers are working with firefighters to prevent firewater run off affecting the nearby Cherry Creek.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
