Blaze puts icon at risk
An inferno in two buildings that threatened the famous Nylex Clock site in innerMelbourne could trigger the closure of a Citylink on-ramp for several days. About 60 firefighters, 10 pumpers and three aerial units battled the enormous blaze at an abandoned factory near the Nylex Clock for more than two hours yesterday.
AN inferno in two unused buildings that threatened the famous Nylex clock site in inner-Melbourne could trigger the closure of a CityLink onramp for several days, causing traffic chaos.
Firefighters were called to the suspicious blaze in Cremorne just after midnight yesterday and crews arrived in less than six minutes to find the fire quickly spreading through the two buildings.
About 60 firefighters, 10 pumpers and three aerial units were called. “Crews conducted an external attack on the fire and used aerial appliances to reduce the blaze,” firefighters said. “The fire was declared under control at 2.05am.”
Victoria Police say the exact cause of the fire is still unknown and it is being investigated as suspicious.
“While the fire has now been brought under control, road closures are expected to remain in place for the coming days while works are undertaken to repair the structure,” police spokeswoman Natalie Butler said.
Owners and developers of the site, Caydon, says it has installed security measures to prevent trespassing and will be working with authorities in their investigations.