Victorian Town Rocked By Huge Fire: Sanitiser Explosion Causes Chaos In Anakie

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Post on May 22, 2025

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Victorian Town Rocked by Huge Fire: Sanitiser Explosion Causes Chaos in Anakie

Anakie, Victoria – A massive fire ripped through the heart of Anakie, a small Victorian town, yesterday afternoon, leaving residents shaken and several buildings damaged. The blaze, which began with a reported explosion at a local business, is believed to have been caused by a large quantity of hand sanitiser igniting. Emergency services responded swiftly to the incident, preventing what could have been a far greater catastrophe.

The fire, which broke out around 3 PM, quickly spread due to strong winds and the highly flammable nature of the hand sanitiser. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by a rapidly escalating inferno. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky, visible for miles around, prompting immediate calls to emergency services.

<h3>Rapid Response from Emergency Services</h3>

Firefighters from Anakie and surrounding towns, including Ballarat and Daylesford, battled the blaze for several hours. Ambulance Victoria also attended the scene, treating several individuals for minor injuries, primarily smoke inhalation. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported. Police have closed off the affected area while investigations continue.

"It was terrifying," said local resident, Sarah Miller. "The explosion was deafening, and the fire spread so quickly. We were lucky to escape with our lives." Many residents expressed their gratitude for the rapid response of emergency services, praising their bravery and professionalism in controlling the situation.

<h3>The Cause: A Hand Sanitiser Explosion</h3>

While the investigation is ongoing, initial reports suggest the fire originated from a large quantity of hand sanitiser stored at a local business. The exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, but investigators are exploring potential factors such as improper storage or accidental ignition. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safe storage and handling of flammable materials.

• Authorities are urging businesses to review their storage procedures for flammable liquids.
• The investigation will focus on determining the precise cause of the explosion.
• Residents are being asked to cooperate with police and fire investigators.

<h3>Impact on the Town and the Road Ahead</h3>

The fire caused significant damage to several buildings in the town centre, including a popular café and a small hardware store. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but early estimates suggest substantial repair costs will be required. The Anakie community is rallying together to support affected businesses and residents. A community fundraising initiative has already been launched to help those impacted by the fire.

This devastating event highlights the potential dangers associated with the improper storage and handling of flammable materials, even seemingly innocuous items like hand sanitiser. The quick response of emergency services and the resilience of the Anakie community are testament to the strength of regional Victoria. As the investigation unfolds, we will continue to provide updates on this developing story. Stay tuned to our website for the latest information.