Updated 9:05am, Monday: Fire crews have extinguished the fire at Nyrstar. An investigation into the fire is being conducted.
Earlier: Emergency services are responding to a fire at the Nyrstar zinc smelter in Hobart’s northern suburbs this morning, after flames were seen at the top of a large holding tank.
Tasmania Fire Service crews from Glenorchy and Hobart were called to the Risdon Road facility in Lutana at approximately 5:30am today.
Upon arrival, firefighters were escorted to a large holding tank by site personnel, where flames were seen emanating from the top of the structure.
Nyrstar staff had already evacuated the immediate area before emergency services arrived at the scene.
Firefighters are now working with Nyrstar technical specialists to develop a strategy to safely seal the tank and bring the incident under control.
A Tasmania Fire Service spokesperson said operations were being carefully managed.
“Operations are being managed to minimise risk to workers and the wider community,” the spokesperson said.
The TFS say there is no threat to properties outside the industrial site, though members of the public are being asked to avoid the area.
“We’re asking people to stay clear to allow emergency services and site personnel to work safely,” the spokesperson said.
The cause of the fire remains unknown at this stage.
