UPDATE:
By PAUL MILLAR
UP to 24 fire trucks are fighting a blaze at Little River with water bombing aircraft called to help douse the flames.
Smoke is visible from the Princes Freeway and the fire is travelling south about six kilometres an hour.
Drivers are urged to take care and a warning alert has been sent to local residents.
Meanwhile, an explosion was reported before a Newtown factory became engulfed in flames.
The CFA is attending the blaze at the Penny’s Pine factory, in Bridge Street, next to the Geelong Aquatic Centre.
The roof of the building has collapsed and thick, black smoke was billowing across the area.
Up to nine fire appliances attended the fire, which is believed to have started some time before 1pm.
The factory appears to have suffered major damage.
The fire comes as searing temperatures put the state on high alert.
- Flames and smoke at Little River.
