Firefighters battle 'dangerous' factory blaze in Australia

Australia firefighters said 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.

An explosion sparked the fire at the chemical factory on Swann Drive in Derrimut on Wednesday and was brought under control on the same day. No injuries were reported and it was believed everyone inside the building was evacuated safely, Victoria police said.