Firefighters contain blaze in Laverton scrap yard FIREFIGHTERS are continuing to douse a scrap yard fire that sent pungent black smoke across Melbourne's south last night. About 60 firefighters arrived at Norstar Steel Recyclers in Laverton North at 8.30pm last night to find a 40m by 40m pile of scrap metal ablaze. It took them about three hours to bring the fire under control, as the blaze threatened a 1000-litre fuel tank and a two-storey building. The MFB has issued a "watch and act" warning for the surrounding suburbs of Laverton North, Tottenham, Sunshine West, Brooklyn, Altona Gate and Altona North. Residents are advised to shelter inside and close all doors, windows and vents. Road closures around Dohertys Rd and Fitzgerald Rd are also causing traffic delays and motorists are advised to avoid the area. Strong winds swept black smoke across Melbourne's south and triple-0 calls were received from as far away as Wheelers Hill. The pile of metal, oils and other products created havoc for firefighters and meant a strong odour could be smelt in surrounding areas. Employees working in the area were evacuated safely and no one was injured, MFB spokeswoman Heather Stockton said. About eight MFB units remain on the scene this morning, dousing the scrap metal and working to minimise the spread of chemicals into surrounding drains.