Lithium battery fire sends giant smoke plume across Melbourne’s south-east​on January 29, 2025 at 11:22 pm

Dozens of firefighters are battling a large factory fire in Melbourne’s south-east that has sent a giant plume of black smoke across nearby suburbs.

Fire Rescue Victoria said a caller to triple zero at 8.38am on Thursday reported that lithium-ion batteries had caught alight in Cheltenham.

“Crews arrived at the Chesterville Road scene within five minutes, finding a 60-metre by 60-metre factory well alight,” a FRV statement said.

Fire crews have escalated their response. A VicEmergency alert said 36 vehicles were responding.

Vision from the scene shows the roof of Phoenix Technology Group factory has largely collapsed.

A community advice message for the smoke has been issued for Cheltenham, Highett, Moorabbin and Moorabbin East.

However, it said there is no threat to the community.

Chesterfield Road and Keys Road have been closed.