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4 May, 2021

Gilmac Loses Shed And Processing Plant In Large Fire

FIRE broke out on Sunday morning at the Gilmac site on the St. Arnaud / Charlton Road.

By Sue Hynes

Fire
An aerial shot of the Gilmac Hay Processing fire taken on Sunday morning showing the hay shed on the left with significant fire damage and the nearby processing plant also affected.

At least 25 fire tankers fought the blaze which was out of control for a number of hours in the shed closest to the road.

A warning was issued for communities at St. Arnaud, St. Arnaud East, St. Arnaud North, Moolerr, Slaty Creek and Sutherland.

Firefighting crews fought the blaze in the shed that contained approximately 8,000 bales but were unable to stop the spread of the fire to the hay processing plant nearby.

ABC Wimmera reported that CFA District 16 Commander Ian Morley said that the fire had spread through the hay shed when crews first arrived.

“The shed is probably a total loss and will have to be rebuilt.”

Mr. Morley said that fifty per cent of the processing plant shed has been fire-affected but that they majority of the production equipment and machinery within the shed has been saved and will still be useable.

An excavator was used to take out the side of the shed to give easier access to remove the equipment.

By mid-day on Sunday many crews were still in attendance and many firefighters had been treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.

Crews reported that the fire will continue to burn over the coming days.  

The huge fire destroyed one hay shed and a processing plant nearby

The fire was attended by many CFA brigades from the district, ambulance, SES and police.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Several firefighters were treated on scene for smoke inhalation

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