Australian Furniture Factory Fire Under Control

Fire officials cautioned residents of a Melbourne, Australia, suburb to stay indoors as a major furniture factory fire produced potentially harmful smoke Monday morning.

The fire has been contained and was declared under control at around 7:20 a.m.

Fire Rescue Victoria arrived on the scene within six minutes of the first alarm and found the factory in Brunswick fully involved, local media report.

FRV crews at the scene upgraded the response and started to attack the blaze, which had taken hold of the rear end of the two-story building.

Firefighters are working to gain access to the seat of the fire and are using aerial appliances to apply water and extinguish the blaze.

There are currently 14 firefighting appliances and various specialist units working at the scene to bring the fire under control.

The cause of the fire is not yet known but will be investigated once hot spots have been extinguished and the scene is made safe. 

A watch and act message has been issued for smoke in the Brunswick area and the public is advised to close all exterior doors and windows, ensure that heating and cooling systems are turned off, and to avoid the area where possible while emergency crews respond.

Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria are also at the scene.