Derrimut factory fire: blaze brought under control as thousands told to stay inside due to toxic smoke

Fire caused by explosion at Derrimut chemical factory brought under control but likely to continue burning, Fire Rescue Victoria says

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Firefighters say toxic smoke from a significant factory fire may rage for days as tens of thousands of residents are told to stay inside and a major Melbourne freeway is shut.

Metal drums filled with chemicals were thrown into the air from deep within the blaze on Wednesday afternoon, posing a danger to the 180 firefighters racing to bring it under control.

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