Car pile fire is under control

UPDATE 3.20pm The industrial fire that started at a steel factory on Chisholm Crescent in Kewdale is now contained and under control.

The area near the intersection of Roe Highway and Tonkin Highway has now been made safe after a large pile of around 200 recycled cars were burnt.

Around 50 career Fire and Rescue Service firefighters from eight stations have been on the scene along with additional DFES personnel since the incident was reported at 9.31am today.

They were assisted by the Department of Environment and Conservation Pollution Response Unit, Police, Local Government, Department for Child Protection, Saint John's Ambulance and the Water Authority.

Twelve career Fire and Rescue Service firefighters remain at the site dampening down before leaving the area safe.

There was a large plume of smoke affecting the suburb of Wattle Grove, including Sheffield Park Estate and the industrial area south west of Welshpool, the DFES says.

The Department of Environment and Conservation’s (DEC) pollution response unit analysed the smoke plume and said it was not toxic.

However, it was an irritant, particularly for those who have respiratory conditions, the DEC warned.

Fire at a metal recycling business of Chisolm Road, Kewdale. Picture: Bill Hatto/The West Australian