A TOXIC cloud of smoke and chemicals hung over Koroit last night after firefighters from nine units battled a major blaze in the Murray Goulburn Farm Supplies and Hardware shop on Commercial Road.
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Onlookers were evacuated from the area and locals told to stay inside as smoke billowed out of the store on Commercial Road as firefighters donned breathing apparatus.
The fire, which began about 8.15pm, spread through 50 per cent of the farming supplies shop, leaving Country Fire Authority officers, State Emergency Services, ambulance and police personnel to contend with multiple fuel sources within the shop.
Firefighters were still attempting to bring the blaze under control late last night.
“We’ve got multiple fuel loads and a cocktail of chemicals, such as Round Up and pesticides to contend with as we bring the fire under control,” Hamilton CFA officer, Steve Giddens said.
“People in Koroit are advised to stay inside, with their windows closed and air-conditioners off until further notice.”
Fire crews were unable to speculate on what sparked the fire, but police and fire authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the fire in coming days.
Luke Lane, 18, of Koroit, said he was filling up his car with petrol at the adjoining service station just minutes before the fire engulfed the building.
“I could smell smoke,” he said. “I saw what looked like smoke in the shop, but I thought it was just mist on the windows.
“I heard a bit of a bang but didn’t think anything of it until I heard the sirens about 10 minutes later.”
Local Murray Goulburn employee, Luke Hamilton, watched on as firefighters tried to contain the blaze.
“Looks like there might be a bit of a clean-up tomorrow,” he said.
