Hazardous materials alert declared after a fire in Montague Gardens, with emergency crews on scene and key roads closed as investigations continue. Emergency crews rushed to Montague Gardens after a fire triggered a hazardous materials alert, with reports indicating the incident may involve a possible nitric acid spill. Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell said the City’s emergency services are on scene and that the situation is still developing.
“The City’s emergency services are attending to a fire in the Montague Gardens area. A hazardous materials incident has been declared – currently we are awaiting more information from the Fire and Rescue Service,” Powell said. She confirmed that road closures are in place in the immediate vicinity and that the Disaster Risk Management Centre is on standby.
“As a precautionary measure, we ask that members of the public steer clear of the area where possible,” Powell said. Nitric acid is a highly corrosive industrial chemical commonly used in fertiliser production, metal processing and laboratory applications. It is typically a clear to yellowish liquid with a sharp, pungent odour and is classified as a hazardous substance because of its strong oxidising properties and ability to cause severe chemical burns.
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