Firefighters battle second Welshpool blaze
Firefighters are battling the second industrial blaze of the day - this time at a pool centre in Welshpool.
Crews were called to Aquatic Leisure Technolgies in Stott Street just before 10am.
Seven fire crews are fighting the fire and another two are on the way.
Hazardous materials are involved.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services says the fire is out of control and unpredictable.
More than 100 factory workers and office staff were evacuated.
ALT's Lynley Papineau said no one was injured and all employees were accounted for.
She said the cause of the blaze and the extent of the damage was not initially clear.
Picture: Alex Massey/The West Australian
Vacuum distributor Andy Hawcroft was giving a demonstration to ALT staff when the fire started about 9.50am.
Mr Hawcroft thought the high-pitch alarms were part of a fire drill until he saw people running toward the back of the factory.
He said the entire premises was soon evacuated.
"As we came outside we could see black smoke billowing," Mr Hawcroft said.
"There are lots of plastics and chemicals in there.
"The evacuation was very orderly, we felt safe."
People in the area should remain inside, out of the smoke or fumes, with doors and windows closed as a precautionary measure.
Air conditioners should also be switched off.
People in the area should take advice from emergency services personnel.
People with medical concerns should contact their local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.
Earlier today a factory fire in Welshpool caused $1.5m damage.
