Port Hedland on smoke alert after fire report onboard vessel at Pibara iron ore port

An overnight vessel fire has triggered a smoke alert for parts of Port Hedland with smoke not expected to clear until later today but port operations remain undisrupted.

A Pilbara Ports Authority spokesperson has confirmed the vessel was at berth two at the Port of Port Hedland when a fire started on board at around 3.12am.

Tug boats and Department of Fire and Emergency Services firefighters were called to assist in extinguishing the fire.

One crew member has received medical treatment for smoke inhalation but PPA has ensured all COVID-19 protocols were followed.

Berth two is used for carries of bulk liquid chemicals, cruise ships, general cargo, containers, petroleum products and roll on roll off cargo.

It is declared a special berth by The Department of Mines and Petroleum for the handling of ammonium nitrate cargoes with a maximum quantity of 3,600 tonnes per shipment

No bulk ship loading is conducted at berth two.

The Fire and Emergency Services Department issued the warning about 4am last night for people near The Esplanade and surrounding areas.

Motorists in the area are asked to drive slowly and turn on their headlights.

“If you cannot see clearly, pull over, keep your headlights and hazard lights on, and wait until the smoke clears,” DPFEM advice reads.

“If you have a respiratory condition and you have been affected by smoke you should contact your local doctor or call Health Direct on 1800 022 222.”

The cause of the fire is still unknown.

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