Firefighters contain warehouse blaze. 13/07/2006.
ABC News Online
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http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200607/s1686258.htm]
Last Update: Thursday, July 13, 2006. 7:00pm (AEST)
Firefighters contain warehouse blaze
An estimated $2 million fire at Whyalla, in southern South Australia, has been contained but is expected to burn throughout the night.
Firefighters from Whyalla, Port Augusta, Port Pirie and Adelaide have been at the scene for more than five hours.
The fire broke out in the 100-by-30-metre shed just before 1:00pm.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, the warehouse was completely engulfed by flames.
The warehouse, 10 kilometres south of Whyalla, contained flammable materials, including plastics, which fuelled the fire.
Efforts to contain the fire were hampered by a lack of water supply at the site.
Toxic smoke from the blaze is believed to be thinning down and is now being blown out to sea.
But Detective Sergeant Joanne Barnes is asking residents to remain cautious.
"Please stay inside your homes, especially in the case of if the wind does change to ensure that they're obviously not exposed to any smoke whatsoever," she said.
Fire technicians from Adelaide are at the scene to determine the cause, which is not believed to be suspicious.
MFS spokesman Wayne Haynes earlier said the fire appeared to be accidental.