Water bombing aircraft working to extinguish fire

Water bombing aircraft were working to extinguish the fire on board the 'Iron Chieftain' amid warnings the blaze could evolve into a hazardous material incident in June 18. All 20 crew members escaped uninjured from the 'Iron Chieftain' shortly after the fire ignited in the cargo hold as it was unloading dolomite onto a conveyor belt at Port Kembla in the morning. Up to 80 firefighters were now working to suffocate the fire with compressed air foam as they monitored the temperature of fuel tanks and the ship's ability to remain afloat. The firefighting aircraft were dumping foam into the cargo hold.. The operation was expected to continue into the evening with firefighters to remain at the scene because of the risk posed by hazardous material in the fire's aftermath. The NSW Environment Protection Authority also attended because firefighting materials entered the harbour from the vessel. Once the fire has been extinguished, CSL will work with the authorities and conduct a full investigation to determine the cause of the fire and the extent of damages. Booms have been put around the ship to help contain any oil or diesel spills.