Two builders renovating a house set light to a toxic bonfire in Carlsruhe last Friday afternoon and resulted in police, a local laws officer and multiple fire brigades from across the region battling the blaze until 8.30pm.
A CFA member from Carlsruhe station said the 7x12m pile of waste being burnt was made up of household and construction materials that included plastic, metal and treated wood. Photos confirmed a metal sink, metal ladder and metres of PVC piping were burnt.
“It was a bonfire and it was basically filled up with a house renovation. Anything that could have been in a house was in that pile. He was a builder, so he should’ve known better,” the CFA member said.
It took nine fire trucks and vehicles from Carlsruhe, Kyneton, Woodend, Macedon and Newham stations to smother the toxins, while a notification went out on the Vic Emergency App to warn people of smoke presence. It also provided medical advice and a phone line for anyone experience wheezing, chest tightness or difficulty breathing.
The house being renovated is located on a corner block and was visible to passing residents on both streets who notified Macedon Ranges Shire Council. A MASC spokesperson confirmed the blaze “reignited several times due to the nature of the materials”, and there were “potential breaches of both the Environment Protection Act 2017 and Council’s Community Local Law 2023”.
The Environmental Protection Agency confirmed they had been made aware and were investigating.
The 7x12m pile of waste being burnt was made up of household and construction materials.
