Police probe fire of plastic recycling pile in Clayton POLICE are investigating after a pile of plastics being stored for recycling between two warehouses was ignited in an industrial area in Melbourne's southeast suburbs. A team of 28 firefighters rushed to the scene on Sarton Rd in Clayton following reports of thick black clouds of smoke billowing into the sky about 8pm. Ground crews, including five pumpers and one rescue unit, donned breathing apparatus after being confronted with the large, deep-seated fire. An aerial appliance was also called in to help attack the flames from above. Melbourne Fire Brigade officer-in-charge Craig Morris said the quick-thinking actions of the firefighters prevented the fire spreading into the two nearby buildings. But about $10,000 worth of damage was reported, he said. The fire has been deemed suspicious with arson detectives on scene to investigate.