WINGFIELD WASTE DEPOT

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright—Minister for Police, Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Emergency Services, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:27): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE: The Metropolitan Fire Service is currently combating a fourth alarm fire at a waste fuel depot in Wingfield. This is a significant and dangerous incident with approximately 100 firefighters, 22 MFS appliances and two CFS appliances in attendance.

Arriving crews have had to combat a series of explosions within the bulk waste fuel factory and a running fuel fire of flammable liquids from a bulk fuel semitrailer engulfed within the premises. These running fuel fires have ignited the road and parked vehicles. To date, there are no reported fatalities or injuries to the public. One MFS firefighter has been injured, but no further information is available as this has only just occurred.

The CFS Skycrane helicopter has been deployed to control the spread of the fire adjacent to premises at the site as the conditions are too dangerous in some parts of the fire for ground firefighters to enter. Approximately three adjoining premises have been damaged so far. Public information is currently being disseminated by a media team that is on site. I would also like to make mention that the CFS is currently providing backup to the MFS as they respond to this significant fire event.