Last week's fire at a North Geelong auto wreckers is a wake up call to the industry to act now to reduce and prevent fire risks, says EPA Victoria.
The fire at Corio Auto Parts in Thompson Rd sent plumes of acrid black smoke into the sky and prompted air quality warnings to be issued to protect the local community.
Investigations continue into how the fire occurred but auto wreckers face particular risks including handling vehicles that may still contain combustible fluids, batteries and even active air bag deployment systems.
"There is a risk of fire for auto wreckers given the materials they take in, but they can take steps to reduce both their risk level and severity of a fire should one occur," said EPA Operations Executive Director Rachel Gualano.
"EPA has been very active in this sector both in terms of regulating and providing advice. This fire puts the industry back in focus for possible further action."
EPA South West Regional staff attended the Corio Auto Parts site over several days assessing any environmental impacts from firewater run off or potential breaches of the Environment Protection Act 2017.
"Fires at facilities like this are often difficult to manage and generally require large quantities of water to be used. The resulting firewater run off can be harmful to the environment but testing at nearby Cowies Creek shows the waters are not presenting as contaminated from this event."
Ms Gualano also pointed out that all businesses have to follow the General Environmental Duty provision of the Act and make improvements to assess and manage their risk to human health and the environment without being directed to do so by the Authority.
EPA's advice on how to manage fire risk is available at Auto recyclers guideline | epa.vic.gov.au
