Massive Factory Fire in Melbourne Fueled by Lithium-Ion Batteries

A fire at a Cheltenham factory has engulfed a 60m by 60m building, sending thick black smoke across Melbourne’s south-east suburbs.

The fire broke out at the Phoenix Technology Group factory in Cheltenham early Thursday morning and was reported at 8:38 AM.
Fire Rescue Victoria confirmed the blaze involved lithium-ion batteries, with 36 emergency vehicles responding to the incident.
The fire produced large plumes of black smoke visible across Cheltenham, Highett, Moorabbin, and Moorabbin East, prompting a community smoke advisory.
The factory’s roof has largely collapsed, but all employees were confirmed safe, and the cause of the fire is under investigation but not believed to be deliberate.
Chesterville Road and Keys Road near the factory have been closed as firefighters use aerial appliances to contain the blaze.