Arson squad on site
Picking up the pieces after huge petrol fire
SPECIALIST fire investigators are expected to take up to two days to sift through the remnants of a massive blaze that devastated part of a Drysdale service station this week.
Twisted metal, melted fuel tankers and unstable gas bottles litter the eastern storage section of Mortimer Petroleum after fire caused upwards of $800,000 in damage and the evacuation of 50 homes during the early hours of Thursday.
Victoria Police’s arson squad has joined CFA fire investigators at the large site with large fuel loads making their efforts extra challenging.
Fire investigator Ian Beswicke said a shed area spanned more than 50m.
“There was lots of fuel in there, lots of drums of oils and kerosene and heating oils,” he said.
“They created a very hot area and lots of burn patterns.
“We have the arson squad here, too, assisting.”
The Mortimer family reopened the untouched fuel bowsers late yesterday morning as it waited for answers as to what caused the damaging blaze.
The petrol station itself has escaped relatively unscathed but the family business lost nine petrol and gas tankers. It has hired trucks to cart fuel and ensure there are no shortages across the family’s petrol stations.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown.
Anyone with information about the fire is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.