A major emergency unfolded in the Geelong suburb of Waurn Ponds on Tuesday afternoon after a massive pile of chicken manure caught fire, sending a large plume of smoke over the area and triggering a significant multi-agency response.
Firefighters Battle Intense Blaze
Emergency services were called to a property on Pioneer Road just after 4:30 PM on Tuesday, February 13. Upon arrival, crews from Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and the Country Fire Authority (CFA) were confronted with a substantial fire involving an estimated 100 tonnes of chicken manure, also known as litter. The sheer volume of the burning material presented a significant challenge.
The fire, described as difficult to control, required a substantial deployment of resources. At the height of the incident, more than 30 firefighters were on the scene working to contain the blaze. They utilised multiple fire trucks and employed specialised equipment, including a skid steer loader, to break apart the massive pile and access deep-seated hot spots.
Community Alerted as Smoke Spreads
The burning manure generated a considerable amount of smoke, which was visible across parts of Geelong. Authorities acted quickly to alert nearby residents. An emergency alert was issued via text message and voice call to people in the immediate area, advising them to stay indoors, close their windows and doors, and turn off their heating and cooling systems to avoid smoke inhalation.
Firefighters worked diligently for several hours to fully extinguish the fire and ensure it did not reignite. A CFA spokesperson confirmed that crews remained on site late into the evening, continuing to monitor the situation and dampen down the area. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Aftermath and Safety Reminders
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the fire risks associated with certain types of organic materials, particularly when stored in large quantities. Chicken manure, as it decomposes, can generate significant heat, potentially leading to spontaneous combustion under the right conditions.
While no injuries were reported and the fire was contained to the property of origin, the emergency response highlighted the importance of proper storage and risk management for agricultural and farming by-products. The quick actions of firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby structures or bushland.
Residents in the Waurn Ponds area were thanked for their cooperation during the incident. Authorities have confirmed that the smoke alert has been lifted, but advise that any remaining odour in the area should dissipate naturally.
